Authorities Remind Lake Goers To Follow Lake Rules During Holiday Weekend

Many Oklahomans will head to the lake this weekend and so will police.

The levels at some lakes are still high, but others are in good shape.

That includes Arcadia Lake, where a big crowd is expected for the Fourth of July.

Arcadia Lake is good to go. News 9 was told the Army Corp of Engineers did a good job cleaning up flood debris around the lake.  

“People come out and start camping. They want to get here to get the first spot that’s right off the water,” said Edmond police Sgt. Bervis Littles.

Littles took News 9 on a boat ride around Arcadia Lake. He said the water level is nearly perfect.

“This will be the first holiday weekend that it will be completely open, so we’ll be busy,” said Littles.  

But less than two months ago, beaches, boat ramps, dock, and all trails around Arcadia were closed because of torrential rainfall and record flooding. 

Lake levels were about 11 feet above normal.

“We go out on the boat, the kids go tubing, we go swimming, we just have a good time, my husband loves to fish,” annual lake goer Lisa Duhon said.

Duhon and her family are excited to be back.

“Get away from the TV and playing Xbox, and just enjoy family time,” she said.  “We love it. We come out here every summer.”

And they've staked out the perfect spot for their Fourth of July weekend. Duhon said they've been out camping for the past two weeks.

“I like to swim and play with my brother and my friends,” Duhon’s daughter Audra said.  

“Each day, it’s gotten a little bit more crowded out here,” said Edmond police Sgt. James Hamm.

Edmond police want lake goers to remain vigilant during the holiday and to make sure you're aware of the rules posted around the lake. 

“Be responsible is all we’re asking,” said Hamm. “We want you to come here. We want you to have a great time.”

“You’ve got to really watch, really watch the kids, yeah,” said Duhon.

The number one violation out here is children under the age of 12 not wearing life jackets. Parents can be fined up to $119.

Edmond police will be out on the water and on land patrol during the holiday.