Man in critical condition after boats collide on Lake Austin
AUSTIN, Texas - A man is in critical condition after two boats collided on Lake Austin. It happened around 8 p.m. on July 23rd near the Pennybacker Bridge.
Firefighters and paramedics managed to rescue two people. A 51-year-old man was airlifted to a hospital and the other suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
Officials were also searching for a third man who apparently went overboard but police say he made it safely to the shoreline.
Captain Andre de la Reza with the Austin Fire Department says it's important to treat boating just like driving. "A boat is just like any motor vehicle, and you cannot operate it while under the influence. And as the nighttime gets down and visibilities get impaired, please always lower your speeds and operate with lights. Just like you're driving a car. You wouldn't drive your car at night without your headlights on. Boats have the same rules."
Officials also say there must also be enough life jackets on board for each person on the boat.