AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Game Wardens are reminding boaters about safety protocols ahead of what’s expected to be a busy weekend on the lakes around town.

Authorities are urging people to enjoy the parks and lakes, but do so safely.

“Last weekend was already Fourth of July type of crowds, so we’re expecting that this weekend,” Texas Game Warden Jaron Cox said.

To keep everyone safe, they have some safety reminders for boaters.

The required safety equipment includes life jackets for everyone on the boats. For children, if they are 12 and under, they must wear a life jacket while the boat is moving. The boat must have an engine cut off switch device, a whistle or horn, mirrors, and lights.

“Be conscious of your surroundings, if you’re going to consume alcohol, have a designated driver and make sure that designated driver knows how to operate the boat,” Cox said.

If the laws aren’t followed, Game warden Cox said, “it could be a ticket, if it’s severe enough, it could be jail.”

Jet skis, wet bikes, motorized surfboards, and similar devices are prohibited on Lake Austin until Tuesday morning as it can be dangerous with a lot of boats out at the same time.

“It is narrow, you can see from here all the way over to here is not far, so if you get a bunch of boats going back and forth, that wake, be cautious of it because if you get that over your boat, you will sink,” Cox said.

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Authorities said that’s what happened to one group last August.

“It bounced to the right, ejected, possibly one patient, maybe more, lost control and then hit the bank on the river’s right side,” CE-Bar ESD10 Fire Department Assistant Chief Ken Campbell said.

The body of 14-year-old Kaden Forke was recovered the next day. Texas Parks and Wildlife reported 175 boating accidents resulting in 28 deaths on Texas waters last year.

Texas Game Wardens will be out this weekend on Lake Austin, Lake Travis, and Decker Lake.

I’m about to say a dirty word for some Texans, so brace yourself: California recently made the right move to ban five potentially dangerous foods from store shelves. And before you assume that it’s an act of pearl-clutching liberalism, let’s take a look at these ingredients and how dangerous they can be.

The California Food Safety Act was passed late last year, banning four food additives. A fifth food additive was dropped from the orginal bill. We will look at each ingredient, its use, and how it can harm your health.

But first: remember you are your own best advocate. You can be on the lookout for these ingredients and choose not to purchase them if you want to protect yourself or your family from potentially adverse effects.

Found in some fruit-flavored drinks, energy drinks, fruit-flavored syrups, and baked goods. It’s used to keep, “flavorings from separating and floating to the top of the beverage.”

What’s the problem? According to Consumer Reports:

Peer-reviewed studies conducted on rodents have linked brominated vegetable oil (BVO) to neurological problems; thyroid, heart and liver problems; and behavioral, developmental, and reproductive issues. 

Found in baked goods and some frozen foods. Used to cause dough to rise higher, strengthen dough and enhance dough texture.

What’s the problem? It may increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.

Found In packaged foods like tortillas, baked goods, and cake icing. It is a preservative that extends shelf life.

What’s the problem? It has been shown, “to cause endocrine disruption and reproductive issues in lab animal testing,” according to Consumer Reports.

Found in red-colored foods. Many U.S. snack foods and drinks contain it.

What’s the problem? It has been linked to thyroid tumors in lab animals and hyperactivity in human children. Some people also experience a skin allergy to it nd it has been linked to bladder cancer. Weirdly, it’s been banned in cosmetics for decades but is still allowed in our food.

NOT BANNED IN CA YET: Titanium dioxide

Found in: creamer, sauces, chocolate, candy. It’s used to make foods look whiter, or as a primer to make other colorings look brighter.

What’s the problem? Its been linked to digestive problems and is banned in Europe because it may damage genetic material. Yikes.

Not really. Many of these ingredients have been banned in Europe for a long time. That’s why Italian Fanta is made with real orange juice, whereas U.S. Fanta is made with artificial dyes and colors. I know which one I would prefer.

Think Texas should follow California on this one particular issue? Head to Texas.gov to find your representative and let them know how you feel.

Intersolar & Energy Storage North America (IESNA) announced registration is now open for its new regional event slated for November 19 to 20, 2024, at the Austin Marriott Downtown in Austin, Texas.

Focused on supporting the product, information and connection needs of solar + storage professionals doing or seeking business within the state, the inaugural IESNA Texas conference and trade show will feature a curated exhibit hall, educational program and networking opportunities — delivering a valuable, accessible and productive experience to all participants.

“Our goal for IESNA Texas is to help solar + storage professionals find, understand and accelerate business opportunities in Texas’s clean energy economy,” said Wes Doane, VP of Intersolar & Energy Storage North America. “Over the course of one-and-a-half days, attendees will be able to efficiently source solutions from credible companies; gain insights and information on the Texas market; and build meaningful relationships with peers who understand their challenges.”

Event highlights

• 15 conference sessions (with focus areas including Finance, Market Development and Trends, as well as Policy and Regulations, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, IRA Tax Implications, Workforce, and more) selected by an experienced Conference Committee and association partners, Texas Solar Energy Society and Texas Solar Power Association.
• Nearly 40 innovative exhibitors, including APsystems, EPC Power, EndurEnergy, Scorpius Tracker, SEG Solar, SkyFri, and more showcasing their solutions within what will be a sold-out exhibit hall.
• Insightful keynote presentations by clean energy leaders and advocates.
• Daily networking luncheons to build professional connections and facilitate peer discussion.
• An open-to-all Happy Hour and Launch Party celebration, featuring live music and refreshments.

Early Bird registration is now open, with Conference and Exhibit Hall passes available at their lowest rates. Pass quantities are limited: attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

Companies interested in exhibiting in Austin are encouraged to contact the Intersolar & Energy Storage North America team.

News item from Intersolar & Energy Storage North America