April Showers Bring May Boating Restrictions

We would have preferred flowers...

Shawneetown, IL. USCG Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dan Wheeler

Along the Mississippi
The Clinton News reported yesterday that severe flooding has resulted in the suspension of all recreational boating activities on lakes along the Mississippi River. This is serious, as authorities have warned that violators will be subject to arrest and removal.

Fingers
Meanwhile, the famous finger lakes in upstate NY aer having similar issues due to all the recent rain. Charles McChesney, writing for the Post-Standard, reported today that "Onondaga County Sheriff Kevin Walsh ordered boats off the Oneida and Seneca rivers, and Oswego County Sheriff Reuel Todd banned boats from Oneida Lake."

And just as the traditional trout fishing season opened across Michigan last weekend, boaters and anglers were warned that "anyone planning to fish the next couple of days should avoid rivers with high water levels and use extra caution when wading or boating," according to wsbt.com.

We've also seen numerous reports around the country of speed restrictions and no-wake zones being implemented due to excessive debris in local waters. Yes, believe it or not, too much water can be a problem for boaters bringing unexpected hazards and hidden dangers just below the surface. And unfortunately, this is happening just as the weather has been warming and boating and fishing seasons have started across the country.

Are flood waters keeping you out of the water or delaying the start of your boating season? Please comment here on the Daily Boater, or on the FirstBoat facebook page.