For many Texans, "floating the river," whether it’s the Guadalupe, the Comal, or one of the Hill Country's many other fast-flowing waterways, is a longstanding summer tradition. This year is unlike years past, however, as police throughout the Hill Country crack down on illegal activity on the river, particularly public intoxication and drug possession.
The New Braunfels Police Chief, for instance, reported to the city council recently that his officers have worked overtime this summer, arresting 220 people and writing more than 1,200 citations. By comparison, this summer's NBPD arrest totals are more than twice what they were last year and citations are up 132 percent. Experts acknowledge that this year's unusual drought is a big part of what's driving tourist traffic to the Hill Country. While other lakes and rivers are at record lows, the Comal, a spring-fed river, is flowing at its customary clip.
The additional traffic is generally good news for New Braunfels and the more than half billion dollars projected to flow into the community as a result of the relatively high-flowing Comal. That traffic is bad news, however, for the people wanting to float the river. More people will result in more congestion and, unfortunately, more accidents and injuries.
Are you planning on floating the river this summer? If so, you should be careful! You might be in control and know what you're doing, but that doesn't mean that everyone else on the river does, too. Hundreds of tourists are injured on the Hill Country's rivers every summer. If you're one of them this summer, talk to the legal experts at Fears | Nachawati who understand how to handle your claims. For a free consultation, just call 1.866.705.7584 or send an email to info@fnlawfirm.com. We can help you!
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