Austin Watershed hosts flood safety video contest | The Locally Times
Austin Watershed Protection invites 6th through 12th grade students to create videos promoting the 'Turn Around - Don’t Drown®' message, with submissions due March 25, 2026.
Austin Watershed Protection invites 6th through 12th grade students in Austin and the surrounding area to participate in a Flood Safety Video Contest, with submissions due by March 25, 2026. This initiative encourages youth engagement in critical flood safety awareness. ## Community Flood Resilience This contest is one component of Austin Watershed Protection's broader efforts to enhance community resilience against flooding. The department also operates a Flood Insurance Assistance Program, partnering with Austin Housing and the Del Valle Community Coalition. This program provides up to $2,000 in financial aid for flood insurance to eligible Austin homeowners. To qualify, homeowners must reside in a floodplain, have an income below 140% Median Family Income, and provide evidence of income, residency, and homeownership. This program directly supports residents in high-risk flood areas by reducing financial barriers to coverage. Beyond flood safety, Austin Watershed Protection also manages environmental challenges impacting local waterways. For instance, the department is actively addressing a significant increase in hydrilla, a nonnative invasive plant, in Lake Austin. Records from March 25, 2026, show hydrilla covering approximately 30% of the lake, a notable rise from less than 5% in June. Residents and students can monitor the Austin Watershed Protection website for further details regarding contest prizes and how winning videos will be utilized to promote flood safety. As The Locally Times reported previously, public information for the student video contest does not specify prizes or terms for video usage.