Drought to impact lake plans this Memorial Day weekend

With water levels running low across area lakes, boaters are urged to use caution when going out over the extended weekend.

On Lake Norman, water levels are about 4 feet lower than normal. And while normal boating channels are still safe to use, the water along the shores is much lower, some coves are inaccessible, and shallow spots is popping up where they haven’t been in the past.

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Bekka Myers, director of Marketing and Community Relations at the Freedom Boat Club, says they are urging boaters to be extra cautious when out on the water.

“We always recommend staying in the channel, go in familiar areas,” she told Channel 9. “I wouldn’t be venturing out far from where you’re not used to. And then also, we always recommend wearing your life jacket. Lake and boat safety is so important these days, and again, with the low water levels, it’s another obstacle.”

Myers says there have been a few cases already of boaters running into shallow waters they weren’t prepared for. She says staff at the Freedom Boat Club have been monitoring these low spots and updating the boats’ radar systems to help steer people clear of these shallow areas.

Myers hopes everyone can enjoy the water this weekend with safety at top of mind to avoid any big issues.

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