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Safety Tips and Warnings this Memorial Day Weekend

Photo by KUT News

Austinites will flock to the city's numerous parks and waterways this weekend. We've put together a guide for what you need to know about rules and safety.

Watercraft Ban: Put Away that Motorized Surfboard!

If you’re planning to celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend on Lady Bird Lake, you'll need to leave your motorized surfboard at home. The Austin Police Department will be enforcing an annual ban on motorized personal watercraft – like jet skis – from sunset on Friday until sunrise on Tuesday.

APD says the ban is necessary because of the high number of people that will be on the lake this weekend.

Things like kayaks and canoes are still okay to use.

Water Safety: Be a Lifeguard!

More than 90 kids drown in Texas each year, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Many drownings happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

DFPS is launching a new campaign called “Watch Kids Around Water” which features a website that offers safety tips, drowning statistics and a “Lifeguard 101” teaching tool.

No Refusal Weekend: Don't Drink and Drive!

The Austin Police Department is cracking down on drunk driving this weekend. APD is enforcing a “No Refusal” initiative this weekend between 9 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Tuesday.

They are focusing on drivers on land and on the water. Motorists and boaters who are suspected of operating their vehicle while intoxicated  must submit to a breathalyzer or blood test.

DPS Increased Patrols: Drive Safely!

Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety will increase patrols this weekend.

Last Memorial Day Weekend, DPS arrested 518 drunk drivers and issued more 6,000 speeding citations.

DPS wants Texas drivers to eliminate distractions, buckle up, slow down and drive defensively.

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