USACE urges boaters and anglers to beware of underwater hazards

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is urging boaters to use extreme caution on USACE lakes and rivers due to high water levels and increased debris.

Boaters should reduce speed, keep a lookout for submerged hazards, and always wear a life jacket and use a kill switch. Hidden dangers may include signposts, picnic tables, trees, and other structures normally found in campgrounds or on dry ground. Floating logs, trash, and debris of all sizes may also be present throughout the lakes for several weeks.

Navigating at night poses additional risks, as underwater hazards are harder to spot. Whenever possible, boaters should have an onboard observer.

Dock owners are advised to check anchors and cables regularly. High winds and rising water may have caused an increase in broken cables and loose docks. Boaters should also exercise patience at launch ramps, which may be more difficult to use under current conditions.

USACE officials remind all water users to prepare for changing conditions as lake levels and river flows remain above normal heading into summer.

Daily river information can be obtained at www.swl-wc.usace.army.mil or the Little Rock District’s mobile app, which can be found in mobile app stores by searching for USACE Little Rock.

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on X at www.X.com/usacelittlerock.