Safe Boating Guidelines
Simple rules for a great day on the water. Our staff is always here to help.
Safe Paddling Starts Here
Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake are genuinely beginner-friendly waterways. The vast majority of our paddlers — including first-timers — have a completely safe and memorable experience. These guidelines exist for the small number of situations where extra care matters.
Our staff gives every renter a brief paddling orientation before launch. Please listen to it — it takes less than five minutes and it's the most useful five minutes of your paddle day.
Safe Boating Guidelines
Stay Low and Centered
The most important rule in any small boat. Keep your center of gravity low — especially when getting in and out, which is when most capsizes happen. Sit down, don't stand.
Enter and Exit Carefully
Step into the center of the boat, not the edge. Hold the dock or bank for stability. Our staff will help you in — don't be shy about asking. Participants may enter and exit independently or with assistance.
Remain Seated and Balanced
Once you're on the water, stay seated. Don't lean over the side to look at fish, reach for a paddle, or wave at someone on the bank. If you need to shift position, do it slowly and keep your weight centered.
Wear Your Life Jacket
We include USCG-approved life jackets for every paddler — infant through adult — at no extra charge. We strongly encourage wearing yours throughout the paddle. Accidents happen fast and life jackets work.
Adaptive Support Is OK
Paddlers with mobility challenges or disabilities are welcome. You may enter and exit the craft independently or with assistance. Adaptive support is encouraged and our staff is happy to help. Let us know your needs when you arrive.
One Adult Rescuer Per Child
If you have children in the boat, one adult must be prepared and positioned to act as a rescuer for each child. Children should wear their life jackets throughout the paddle.
Load Limits
Maximum capacity per boat:
2 adults + 2 small children
One adult must be able to act as a rescuer per child.
If your group exceeds this, we can set you up with multiple boats. Our staff will help you figure out the best configuration — just let us know your group size when you arrive or when you reserve ahead.
These limits exist for safety, not bureaucracy. An overloaded boat is an unstable boat — and Barton Creek, while forgiving, is still a real body of water.
Life Jackets
Included for every paddler — free.
We stock USCG-approved PFDs from infant through adult. Life jacket fitting is part of our launch process. We strongly encourage wearing yours throughout your paddle.
Note: We do notprovide life jackets for dogs. If you're bringing a dog who isn't a confident swimmer, please bring a canine PFD. Read more about paddling with dogs in Austin.
Weather & Conditions
- We close during lightning — no exceptions. If you hear thunder, return to shore.
- High winds can make Lady Bird Lake choppy and difficult for beginners. Use your judgment and our staff's guidance.
- After heavy rain, Barton Creek can rise quickly and become unsafe. We may close — call ahead or check social media.
- We do not rent after dark (unless during a special event like the Full Moon Float). Return before sunset.
- If conditions change while you're on the water, return to the dock promptly.
Questions about conditions? Call us at (512) 478-3852.
Accessibility
Our safe-boating guidelines specify that participants may enter and exit the craft independently or with assistance. Adaptive support is OK and our staff is glad to help.
If you or a member of your group has specific needs, let us know when you arrive or reach out in advance at boatszilkerpark@gmail.com. We'll do everything we can to make the experience work.
Learn about our adaptive and community programs →Ready to Paddle Safely?
Our staff gives every renter a 5-minute orientation. You'll feel confident on the water.