GRDA Police Urge Safe Celebrating With Higher Water Levels

Above normal lake levels from the record rainfalls forced campground and boat ramp closures at lakes all across Green Country. 

Thousands of people are expected to celebrate the holiday weekend at Grand Lake and with it being 3.5 feet above normal GRDA Police recommends that boaters take it safe.

Linda Davis and her family will be on the lake this weekend for a family reunion. "We're going to do the Fourth of July fireworks. They said to be careful because it's crazy out there, but my mom wants to be out there in the middle of it all," she explained.

The GRDA has closed the east spillway and boat ramps near the area have opened up. 

GRDA closed the last floodgate on the Pensacola Dam Thursday. GRDA says that means boat ramps located near the spillways will be open this weekend. The higher levels mean lake patrol officers are urging boaters to use caution.

"It might look like it's deeper, but it might not be. It might be shallow water over there," said Officer Jason Littlefield, GRDA Police.

"We're going to have a lot of boats up here on Grand so you need to make sure to have all your safety equipment on your vessel. Everybody needs to have a life jacket."

Several fireworks displays are planned for Disney, Monkey Island and Grove July 3. On July 4th, Duck Creek and Salina on Lake Hudson will have fireworks.