Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Edgar Linares, 612-919-5918
High Water Declared on Certain Hennepin County Lakes
May 31, 2019 (Minneapolis) - Several cities in Hennepin County have implemented high water ordinances on area lakes. While these ordinances are in place, slow to no wake orders are in effect until lake levels drop.
Specifics about the ordinances vary by city. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office recommends researching those details before venturing off to a lake this weekend.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Minnetonka Conservation District (LMCD) will hold a joint press conference to discuss high water ordinances on May 31, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Excelsior Commons, near 399 Lake St., Excelsior MN 55331.
“We want to make it clear that the lakes in question are still open and accessible to the public,” said Hennepin County Sheriff David P. Hutchinson. “The high water ordinances are in effect to protect the public and prevent damage to structures and property on the lake. The public is still welcome to enjoy the lakes while these ordinances are in place.”
The following lakes in Hennepin County have declared high water. Click the links to see details of individual high water ordinances.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure boaters are operating safely and will educate them on the ordinances until they are lifted. The HCSO urges boaters to comply with speed and wake restrictions.
Why Comply?
Speed limits and wake restrictions are in place to protect the public and to help prevent damage to the shoreline, boat lifts, and other structures. When boating, make sure the wake moving out from a watercraft and trailing behind is of insufficient size to affect other watercraft or to be detrimental to the shoreline.
Safety reminders for boating:
- Boaters should slow down and make an extra effort to act in a courteous manner on crowded lakes and rivers.
- Designate a sober boat operator prior to your day of boating.
- Sophia’s Law requires all recreational boats that have an enclosed compartment, including sailboats with motors, must be equipped with a watercraft carbon monoxide detector.
- State law requires children 10 years old and under to wear a properly fitted life jacket while boating. It is highly recommended that all children and adults wear life jackets during boating.
- State law requires that life jackets are readily accessible for all people on board the boat.
- Be aware of the danger of a boat propeller. People in the water, have been injured by props while attempting to re-enter a boat
– HCSO–
Look for more news on
the Hennepin County Sheriff's website at http://www.hennepinsheriff.org.
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