A new city of Austin program designed to help improve boat dock visibility for emergency responders on the lake requires boat dock owners to properly address and register their docks with the city.

The requirements apply to docks on Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake and Walter E. Long Lake.

"[D]uring an emergency every second counts," said Todd Wilcox, division manager for the Austin Code Department. "[T]his program will help emergency responders gain access when it matters most."

Boat docks owners have until Sep. 30 to comply with the program, which was approved by Austin City Council in 2014. Phased implementation began on July 16, 2018.

Registration is free.