Taking a watercraft out on a Brazos River Authority reservoir might not be the same as other lakes in Texas, so here are some important things to know before enjoying a day in the sun.
The lake levels at Possum Kingdom, Granbury, and Limestone can fluctuate from one day to the next, so just because an area was safe one time doesn’t mean it will be the next.
This is super important to remember, especially in the summer. These three lakes are water supply reservoirs, which means their levels will fluctuate throughout the year, particularly in the summer months, when water use and evaporation are much higher.
And because of that, underwater hazards are something to take seriously. (Watch this video on why lake levels fluctuate.)
So, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the lake’s layout before hitting the water. There are several ways to do this and ensure you’re staying as safe as possible.
For starters, be sure to have a map. If you'd like a free physical map of lakes Possum Kingdom, Granbury, and/or Limestone, email your name and physical mailing address to information@brazos.org. As a backup, you can download an online version of the map to your phone and view our interactive map here:
Beyond just showing where you are, these maps help illustrate No Wake Zones and some (but not all) of the areas with underwater hazards, such as stumps.
Lake Granbury, for example, has many areas considered stump fields. When the Brazos River Authority lakes were first filled, workers left trees in place covering the river valley. Like other reservoirs around the world, tree stumps and brush were left to provide underwater habitat for marine life. How many of those trees break the water's surface depends on the reservoir's level.
This is why, when traveling on lakes Granbury or Possum Kingdom, it’s especially important to know your buoys.
On those two reservoirs, there are centerline buoys, also referred to as mid-channel markers. These candy cane-looking buoys are strategically placed to show the center of the reservoir, which is the deepest part, and considered the safest route. They are lit for navigational aid in low-light conditions.
Meanwhile, Lake Limestone has too many stump fields to label, so it’s important to take care across the whole reservoir.
If you're planning to pull a water skier, take out the jet ski, or simply cruise the lake in your watercraft, be aware of potential underwater hazards. Fast-moving watercraft might not see submerged stumps or sandbars quickly enough to avoid the hazards. Even if no one is injured, striking a stump with a watercraft can be costly to repair.
Familiarity with the reservoirs is also important because the no-wake rules differ on BRA reservoirs from those on other lakes in the state.
BRA regulations require watercraft to operate at a slow speed that does not create a wake when within 100 feet of a shoreline, boathouse, dock, other watercraft, or an area where people are swimming or diving, while state law requires 50 feet.
The Texas Water Safety Code states that a boat operator is always responsible for the wake caused by a boat until it flattens out. This is true for all boats, including borrowed or rented. Not only can a citation be given for violating this rule, but if someone can prove your wake has damaged their property, caused an accident or harm to a person, you can be held responsible.
No Wake Zones are indicated by buoys with an orange circle reading, “Slow No Wake,” which means boaters must slow to the point they do not generate a wake or a wave created by the passage of the vessel. This means slowing your watercraft BEFORE passing the No Wake buoy.
Beyond No Wake buoys, some buoys alert boaters to nearby hazards, while others note protected swimming areas. Not just words, but shapes help identify what the buoy is saying.
- A diamond indicates a dangerous area that potentially has hazards like rocks or stumps.
- A crossed diamond indicates a prohibited area. Areas with buoys like this could surround places where people can swim, be located near the dam, or be in areas with a water intake or spillway.
An important thing to remember regarding buoys is that large weather events, careless boaters, or heavy flows in or out of the reservoir can move or damage navigational buoys. So, if at any time the buoy looks out of place, know that it might be. Lake office staff work year-round to maintain these buoys. If at any time you see one damaged, notice one missing, or possibly in the wrong location, feel free to email information@brazos.org or call 888-922-6272.
Remember, you're not alone on the water.
Respect goes a long way between boat operators. Give other boaters plenty of room when passing and never cut another boater off. Whether you're cruising around or anchored out, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Make a habit of keeping a roll of trash bags on the vessel. Help keep trash out of our waterway by taking it with you at the end of the day. And if a piece of trash flies out of your neighbor's boat, you’ll have something to put it in when you pick it up in passing.
Enjoy the summer months and time using a watercraft on the reservoir. Just do so while wearing a kill switch, a life jacket, sunscreen, and while sober.
For more information on Texas-required boater safety equipment, go here.
If you’re out on the lake and you find yourself in trouble, you can call 911 for help. Local county dispatch will contact BRA lake rangers, the Sheriff's Department, or a Texas Parks and Wildlife game warden, who will be sent out to help.