A man in his mid-20s who ignored signs and jumped off a cliff at Comal Park at the end of May landed on a man in his mid-20s who was swimming in Canyon Lake.
The jumper cut his neck.
The swimmer sustained a neck injury.
Luckily for them, Comal County Precinct 1 constables and Comal County Sheriff’s Office deputies on boat patrol were able to get both men safely to shore.
But the accident wasn’t a one-off.
Pct. 1 spokesperson Matt Schima said the deputy who rescued the cliff-jumper has carried “quite a few people off the cliffs and up that hill.”
“Signage is there for a reason, whether it’s there for cliff jumping or at the boat ramps,” he said. “Signage helps keep people safe and to make sure they don’t violate the law.”
Diving, jumping or swinging from trees, bridges or other structures (cliffs) which cross or are adjacent to project water is prohibited under Title 36 327 26, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Canyon Lake Manager Brett Mazey said.
Low water levels reveal limestone outcrops that are tempting for divers, “but you never know the depths or what’s below the surface.”
USACE owns and operates Canyon Lake, which was built for flood control, not recreation.
Mazey said visitors can expect enforcement of state and local laws by county law enforcement and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).
All Title 36 rules and regulations will be enforced along with Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County (WORD) guidelines for visitors.
Title 36 stipulates federal rules governing public use of USACE’s water-resource projects like lakes, parks, campgrounds, boat ramps, shorelines, and project lands.
In a statememt, USACE outlined the do’s and don’ts at a lake experiencing historically low levels due to extreme drought:
Do’s
- Rent various types of watercraft from local marinas and vendors. WORD, which operates Comal, Canyon and Cranes Mill parks, has a list of options at wordcc.com/plan-your-trip/visitors-guide.
- Launch non-motorized paddle craft like kayaks, canoes and paddle boards from shoreline areas in parks or at boat ramps.
- Swim, but at your own risk from the shoreline or in open day-use parks. Check for hazards before swimming and never swim in stagnant water.
- Enjoy the Guadalupe and Madrone hiking trails, horseback riding at Hancock Trail, picnicking, grilling and other activities in Comal and Canyon day-use parks.
- Enjoy lakeside camping in Cranes Mill and Potter’s Creek parks.
- Walk, jog, run and bicycle around North Park, now open from 8 a.m. to sunset.
- Visit Canyon Lake Gorge.
- Properly dispose of litter — pack it in, pack it out
- Be courteous to other lake visitors and law-enforcement officials.
- Keep water safety in mind. Wear a life jacket when on or near the water.
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol consumption.
- Wear proper sun protection and sturdy water shoes.
- Keep Canyon Lake clean and beautiful.
Don’ts
- Launch motorized watercraft from closed/barricaded boat ramps or from the shoreline.
- Drive motorize vehicles off paved roadways around barriers or along shoreline.
- Barbecue, grill or have any other type of fire along the shoreline or in any other areas outside of designated day-use parks or campgrounds.
- Bring glass, polystyrene foam, or plastic containers five ounces or smaller to the lake.
- Let your pets roam off-leash at public parks.
For more information visit wordcc.com or swf-wc.usace.army.mil/canyon/.