Flagship Towing offers Safety tips via YNN news..

Posted: Tue, 31 Jul 2012 03:47 PM - 13,924 Readers

By: YNN

http://images.texas.ynn.com/media/2012/6/30/images/vlcsnap-2012-06-30-20h18m02s59865ff6b5-dd67-43e5-a504-6b0df215e992.jpg

Summers in Central Texas means busy weekends on the lake, and that's especially true with a holiday around the corner.

With the Fourth of July holiday on a Wednesday this year, big crowds are expected on both weekends. Those who work to keep boaters on Lake Travis safe say that’s a good thing because it will spread the crowds out, allowing them to better care for those on the water.

Our Russell Wilde spent Saturday on the lake with Captain Marshall Leonard with Flagship Towing, one of the companies responsible for taking care of boats on the water with problems.

Captain Leonard said knowing the right-of-way is a very important thing to keep in mind when out on the water. He said that if all boaters know to stay to the right when passing an oncoming boat, many accidents can be avoided.

"Any novice should definitely be wearing a life jacket,” Captain Leonard said. “Ninety percent of the fatalities from a boat accident is because somebody didn't have a life jacket on."

The safety expert also stressed the importance of staying hydrated while out on the water. He said too many boaters only bring alcoholic beverages which can be dangerous in summer heat.

Captain Leonard said the best advice was given to him as a child.

"What my dad taught me when I was young, I got my first boat at five years old, don't approach anything faster than you want to hit it,” he said. “So if you're heading toward somebody slow down or just get clearly out of their way."

* Story Contributed by: YNN

[edit]

Lake Travis News

Alerts

LCRA to reopen Lake Travis for public use Wednesday Nov 6, 2018	62,807 Readers
LCRA: Lakes could open by Nov. 2 depending on conditions Oct 30, 2018	56,022 Readers
Mansfield Dam floodgates to close starting Thursday Oct 30, 2018	58,465 Readers
LCRA will not open more gates at Mansfield Dam at this time Oct 18, 2018	56,611 Readers
Lago Vista residents prepare to evacuate due to flooding of Lake Travis Oct 18, 2018	60,549 Readers
An incredible view of an open Mansfield Dam : Youtube video Oct 18, 2018	56,622 Readers
Lake Travis expected to hit highest level since 1991 by Friday Oct 17, 2018	55,046 Readers
Hike and bike trail on Lady Bird Lake closed due to rising water Oct 17, 2018	54,047 Readers
Lake Travis expected to open 4 more floodgates. Take Precaution Oct 17, 2018	56,924 Readers
Record number of Mansfield dam floodgates could open Oct 17, 2018	50,216 Readers

Entertainment

Alamo’s Jaws on the Water is back to scare you while you float on Lake Travis May 15, 2018	53,637 Readers
This student’s wakeboarding graduation photoshoot is so epic she deserves another degree May 8, 2018	51,907 Readers
Here’s why you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake. Wait — you can’t swim in Lady Bird Lake? Aug 8, 2017	56,726 Readers
5 Ways to Try Paddleboarding in Austin Aug 4, 2017	54,623 Readers
Why Is Hippie Hollow Clothing-Optional? Jul 31, 2017	58,562 Readers
JAWS on the Water - Friday, June 30th Jun 27, 2017	53,766 Readers
Memorial Day Weekend watercraft ban on Lake Austin May 25, 2017	55,375 Readers
Travis County officials prep for Memorial Day weekend on Lake Travis May 23, 2017	52,884 Readers
West Austin 4-H Offers Opportunities Beyond Just Raising Animals Aug 9, 2016	63,508 Readers
Large Crowds Expected at Lake Travis For Holiday Weekend Jul 1, 2016	65,371 Readers

Weather

Lake levels falling fast as Texas drought continues Jul 27, 2022	46,991 Readers
Repairing Lake Travis homes damaged by flooding Nov 2, 2018	58,761 Readers
Lake Travis now more than 120 percent full Oct 17, 2018	49,664 Readers
Graveyard Point residents brace for flooding Oct 17, 2018	51,473 Readers
Floodgate Operations Underway at Local Lakes During Flooding Oct 16, 2018	51,298 Readers
As Flood Risk Increases, Austin Will Revisit Its Floodplain Building Rules Oct 15, 2018	51,277 Readers
Up to 35 days of 100-degree heat this summer in Austin area, LCRA says May 9, 2018	54,327 Readers
Lake Buchanan rises nearly 8 inches due to rain Aug 8, 2017	56,864 Readers
One floodgate open at Starcke Dam Aug 7, 2017	54,636 Readers
Driving on RM 620, I see islands sticking out of the lake. Is the drought returning? Jul 14, 2017	55,182 Readers

Sports

Spectacular catch highlights our High School Plays of the week Oct 16, 2018	49,489 Readers
Classic Berth, Big Payday On The Line At Toyota Bassmaster Texas Fest May 15, 2018	52,648 Readers
Several newcomers already set to play for Texas in 2017 Aug 7, 2017	53,991 Readers
PGA to Austin: We had lots of fun, so let’s do it again in 2017 Apr 1, 2016	64,699 Readers
Jordan Spieth Off To Good Start In Austin Return Mar 24, 2016	64,461 Readers
Katy vs Lake Travis game makes the list! Jan 13, 2016	62,667 Readers
Game of the week: Lake Travis (7-0) at Westlake (7-0) Oct 19, 2015	64,337 Readers
Lake Travis repeats as regional golf champions Apr 17, 2015	66,319 Readers
Lake Travis’ Bacon ties national HR record Mar 14, 2015	68,202 Readers
Westlake, Lake Travis sweep District 14-6A awards Mar 11, 2015	68,048 Readers

Business

Shack 512 Relaxed, lakeside dining accessible by car or by boat May 16, 2018	52,732 Readers
Residents addressing wildfire risks in Lake Travis, Westlake May 16, 2018	51,780 Readers
Ex-Point Venture water employee accused of misappropriating $65K May 16, 2018	52,299 Readers
West Lake Hills’ new drainage manual created in an effort to reduce flooding May 15, 2018	53,884 Readers
Round Rock City Council approves cost share for zebra mussel control in Lake Travis May 11, 2018	54,298 Readers
Nautical Boat Clubs Launches Lake Austin Location in Westlake May 5, 2018	54,236 Readers
City looking for help to curb storm drain pollution Aug 5, 2017	53,892 Readers
Apache Shores features waterfront views, trails, park Jul 14, 2017	53,867 Readers
10-year Mansfield Dam rehabilitation project will keep Austin safe Apr 27, 2017	53,883 Readers
Overflowing Lake Travis isn't all bad news for businesses Jun 8, 2016	63,332 Readers

Real Estate

Appraisal protest trend continues as assessments rise May 16, 2018	52,207 Readers
Go Inside This Lake Austin Remodel May 10, 2018	50,108 Readers
Modern guesthouse tower adds space, views to lakeside cabin Sep 28, 2017	56,390 Readers
A Striking Sanctuary in Texas Inspired by a Sand Dollar Aug 8, 2017	55,352 Readers
Contemporary Architectural Masterpiece on Lake Austin Jul 30, 2017	53,347 Readers
Lake Austin mansion with a Romeo and Juliet balcony, including dramatic backstory Jul 28, 2017	53,843 Readers
Midcentury-modern home overlooks Lake Austin, Pennybacker Bridge May 27, 2016	64,837 Readers
Lake Travis Waterfront Retreat Offered by Heritage Luxury Real Estate Auctions May 18, 2016	63,610 Readers
In Lago Vista, big dreams for $68 million ranch property May 14, 2016	63,884 Readers
This Texas Barn Mansion on Lake Travis is Out of This World May 6, 2016	67,512 Readers

News Archives 2012 - Select a Month