News Summary
New Braunfels and San Marcos, Texas, have enacted strict regulations for summer tubing to ensure visitor and environmental safety. These include a Disposable Container Ordinance prohibiting single-use items and rules against bridge jumping. Safety protocols recommend using professional tubing companies and wearing protective gear against sun exposure. Additionally, regulations on cooler sizes and music volume have been introduced. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is also launching a podcast to promote conservation awareness. Local businesses anticipate a boost in visitors due to these changes.
New Braunfels, Texas – New Braunfels and San Marcos have introduced strict regulations for the popular summer tubing season, aimed at ensuring the safety of thousands of visitors and locals who flock to the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers each year. The measures involve new environmental and safety ordinances, along with recommendations for responsible tubing practices.
New Braunfels has implemented a Disposable Container Ordinance, which prohibits the use of disposable food and beverage containers. This law includes aluminum cans, plastic water bottles, fast food containers, napkins, and other single-use items. Violators of this ordinance may face fines of up to $500. The ordinance aims to protect the rivers from pollution and encourages tubers to utilize insulated bottles, reusable containers, and canteens instead.
In addition to environmental regulations, safety measures are also being enforced. Bridge jumping has been declared illegal due to the inherent dangers associated with it. This activity could lead to injuries from shallow water or sharp rocks, and violators face a fine of $500. To promote safety for less experienced swimmers, the use of professional tubing companies is highly recommended. Several companies operate in the San Antonio area, offering tubing equipment rental and transportation back to starting points.
As tubers prepare for their outings, it is essential to remain aware of potential risks associated with sun exposure. Even in the cooler waters of the rivers, sunburn can occur quickly. Tubers are advised to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for protection. It is also prudent to safeguard electronic devices by using waterproof cases to prevent loss and pollution.
In a move to enhance outdoor engagement, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will launch a new podcast titled “Better Outside” on May 21. This podcast will share stories related to conservation and outdoor activities, replacing the previous “Under the Texas Sky,” which concluded after its host’s retirement. The new podcast aims to cover experiences in Texas parks, trails, and wildlife conservation efforts, increasing awareness and appreciation for the state’s natural resources.
Matthew Hoyt, who owns Corner Tubes in New Braunfels, is preparing for a busy tubing season and expresses optimism about local business growth due to recent improvements in public access points. These upgrades are expected to enhance the customer experience and the flow of tubers during peak season.
San Marcos has also enacted similar regulations, including the banning of single-use containers along the San Marcos River. Tubers using coolers must abide by a restriction that limits their size to a maximum of 30 quarts, and they must be secured while on the river. Moreover, personal tubes are restricted in diameter to a maximum of 5 feet, ensuring safety and compliance with local laws. In addition, music from floating parties is restricted; sound must not travel more than 50 feet away from the source.
Moreover, tubers should be mindful of changing river conditions due to weather, which can affect trip duration. It is crucial to respect private property as well; purple-painted fences indicate areas where trespassing is prohibited.
With the introduction of these regulations and safety measures, New Braunfels and San Marcos aim to enhance the tubing experience while prioritizing the safety of both tubers and the environment. As the summer season approaches, visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new rules to ensure a responsible and enjoyable outing on the rivers.
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Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio: Tubing Tips for Guadalupe and Comal Rivers
- Wikipedia: Tubing (Recreation)
- San Antonio Magazine: 10 Dos and Don’ts for Tubing the River
- Google Search: New Braunfels Tubing Regulations
- Southern Living: Best Tubing Rivers to Float in Texas
- Google Scholar: Environmental Impact of Tubing in Texas Rivers
- Fox San Antonio: Comal River Businesses Prepare for Memorial Day Rush
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Guadalupe River
- 1470 KYYW: Texas Tubing Summer Fun
- Google News: Guadalupe and Comal River Safety Measures
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
