Lake Ban: They're Not Kidding

For those of you thinking, Hey, I know the City of Austin has been saying "Don't go in Town Lake," and the Lower Colorado River Authority is saying "That water's fast and nasty," but how bad can it really be? – here's how bad it is.

This is what the waters on Town Lake by Shoal Beach looked like at midday Sunday. Yes, Town Lake has rapids. Now whitewater rafting on Waller Creek doesn't seem that far-fetched, does it?

There is some good news for boaters: the city has opened Lake Austin from Walsh Landing to Loop 360. There's some big restrictions: no boat over 30 foot, and a 10 mph speed limit. The fire department still recommends no jetskis and no swimming, because of debris and high bacteria levels.

The rest of the lake is still closed, as well as Town Lake and the Colorado below Longhorn Dam. And, you'll face a Class C misdemeanor with a $500 fine for breaking the ban. The ban will be reconsidered midday Monday.