Local Lake Levels Create Boating Concerns

CHARLOTTE, NC — Drought conditions continue to drop lake levels in the Charlotte area, and that is creating safety concerns for boaters.

Several boats have run aground in the last few weeks. And a busy Labor Day weekend on the water could mean more problems.

“You’re going to cause damage to your boat, and could seriously injure those inside,” says Sgt. George Brizney. 

Sergeant George Brizney with the Cornelius Police Department Lake Patrol Division has seen it happen. And with Lake Norman down 5.5 feet this summer due to lack of rain, hazards are easy to find. 

“It’s a lot lower than it was about three weeks ago when we were out here,” says Ballantyne resident Bill Wellington. “It’s dropped quite a bit.”

Wellington was out on Lake Wylie Thursday, where they were expecting an armada over the next few days.

It’s a scene we are seeing at many local lakes. Lake levels are low. Lots of boat ramps are blocked off. And with the busy, boating Labor Day weekend ahead, that could mean even more in the way of safety concerns.

“With the water level receding as much as it has, you know navigation rules really come into play,” says Sgt. Brizney.

Patrols will be increasing for the holiday weekend, with officers on the lookout for impaired boaters, and those straying from clearly marked channels.

Sergeant Brizney also has a warning for people heading to the lake for Labor Day.

“With the water level like it is, you know the shoals become more of an influence,” says Sgt. Brizney. “Areas that you could ordinarily travel are now impassable because of the underwater structure: the rocks, the stumps and the sudden depth changes.”

“Could be quite difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing,” says Wellington. “Not paying attention. It could be dangerous, yes.”