One of Central Texas’ most popular bodies of water is a lake in the middle of downtown Austin, which is not only a tourist attraction but also a magnet for outdoor activities. From locals running around it on a nearly 10-mile trail to visitors paddleboarding, kayaking and even driving small boats on Lady Bird Lake. But is the lake actually swimmable?
Is it legal to swim in Lady Bird Lake in Austin? Here’s what the city says
No. The City of Austin says it’s, “illegal for any person to swim, bathe, wade or go into the waters of Lady Bird Lake, except in efforts to rescue and recover human beings,” according to its website.
What happens if you get caught swimming in Lady Bird Lake?
Swimming in Lady Bird Lake, locally known as Town Lake, can lead to a Class C misdemeanor and fine of up to $500.
Has swimming ever been allowed in Lady Bird Lake?
Possibly. Lady Bird Lake opened in 1960 when the City of Austin finished construction on the Longhorn Dam to impound the Colorado River, so it may have attracted some swimmers back then, but swimming on the lake has never been encouraged.
Swimming in the lake has been banned for more than 50 years following multiple tragic drownings. The ban went into effect in 1964, when two sisters drowned in the water while celebrating Mother’s Day, KVUE reports.
Why can’t you swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Residents are discouraged from swimming in Lady Bird Lake because of historical safety concerns and underwater hazards. While it’s called a “lake,” the Austin waterway is actually a reservoir of the Colorado River. This reservoir is often filled with remnants of debris including washed away dams, deep pits from old gravel mining operations and occasionally floodwaters from severe rainfall can impact the lake’s water quality.
Hence, after severe flooding in the region last month, the City of Austin banned all recreation on Lady Bird Lake amid dangerous conditions. But pollution isn’t the only reason swimming is banned on the lake.
Is Lady Bird Lake safe to swim in?
No. According to KUT reporting, Lady Bird Lake has strong currents that can shift boulders and tree limbs under the surface, which could cause swimmer’s injuries.
Brent Bellinger, conservation program supervisor with the Watershed Protection Department, told the Austin publication that, “at any given time, it’s possible there could be significant releases from the Tom Miller Dam through the reservoir. Those swift currents are a hazard for swimmers.”
Can dogs swim in Lady Bird Lake?
No. Toxic algae in and around the lake has been linked to the illness and deaths of several dogs in the city over the years. So, if it’s not safe for furry friends, the same is the case for humans.
Why can you kayak and paddleboard but not swim in Lady Bird Lake?
Because karaking and paddleboarding do not require you to swim in the water. The same is true for other recreational activities like driving small boats and participating in boat tours on the lake.
Where can you legally swim near Lady Bird Lake?
If you want to go swimming in Austin, there are plenty of options. First there’s the city’s crowned jewel, Barton Springs, which is one of the most visited swimming holes downtown…