Lake Austin Community Safety InitiativeAustin, TX, United States
Sep 11, 2026
I've been in touch with many District 10 residents about this issue, and I share their concerns. This is a top priority for my team right now, and they're in touch with both the Austin police and our legal department in hopes of expanding rules banning jet skis on the lake during certain hours and holidays.
As this petition notes, businesses that rent these watercraft to unlicensed riders is a major problem. As a reminder, anyone born after 1993 needs a boating license to operate a jet ski.
Unfortunately, APD's Lake Patrol Unit is understaffed right now, just like the rest of the department. Between it and Travis County authorities, there are only three boats available to cover nearly 30 miles of shoreline up and down Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake. That means everyone who boats, paddle-boards, or lives along our lakes needs to keep an eye out for jet skis and other fast-moving personal watercraft.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't take action in the meantime. My office is going to continue to work with law enforcement, city staff, and area residents to address this issue and ensure our waterways are safe.
[Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
As this petition notes, businesses that rent these watercraft to unlicensed riders is a major problem. As a reminder, anyone born after 1993 needs a boating license to operate a jet ski.
Unfortunately, APD's Lake Patrol Unit is understaffed right now, just like the rest of the department. Between it and Travis County authorities, there are only three boats available to cover nearly 30 miles of shoreline up and down Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake. That means everyone who boats, paddle-boards, or lives along our lakes needs to keep an eye out for jet skis and other fast-moving personal watercraft.
That doesn't mean we shouldn't take action in the meantime. My office is going to continue to work with law enforcement, city staff, and area residents to address this issue and ensure our waterways are safe.
[Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]
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