Heavy Rains Prompt Boating Advisory On Lake Norman

CORNELIUS, NC — This week’s torrential rains have raised the water level, and consequently the amount of debris in Lake Norman, creating potential boating hazards, according to an advisory issued Thursday.

Boaters on Lake Norman “should use extreme caution during daylight hours,” and refrain from boating after dusk, the Lake Norman Marine Commission said in its advisory.

Here is the advisory from the Lake Norman Marine Commission:

Due to the significant rainfall we have received over the past few days, Lake Norman is nearly at full pond, or in the case of some of the other lakes in the Catawba/Wateree river basin, above full pond. The elevated lake levels have significantly increased the amount of debris in all of the lakes in the Catawba/Wateree river basin.

The Lake Norman Marine Commission (LNMC) advises that due to the greater than normal amount of debris in the water, boaters should use extreme caution during daylight hours, and highly discourages dusk to dawn boating which is currently extremely dangerous.

The LNMC also reminds all boaters, that they are responsible for the wake created by their vessel and the damage that the wake may cause. Boaters should take extra precaution with regard to boat wakes during this period of high water. Especially during periods of high water, boat wakes can cause significant damage to docks, piers, seawalls and moored water craft.

It is the responsibility of all boaters to observe safe boating practices which include being aware of the lake conditions and how those conditions will mandate the operation of water vessels. Please keep these high-water conditions in mind while operating any vessel on Lake Norman and the other lakes in the Catawba/Wateree basin.

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