WILMINGTON, N.C. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District, is urging visitors to use caution this Memorial Day weekend due to lower-than-normal water levels across its lake projects in North Carolina and Virginia.
Ongoing spring drought conditions have caused water levels to recede, which may limit access to some recreational facilities, including designated swimming areas. As a result, visitors may be tempted to enter the water in non-designated locations, which can present serious safety risks.
Natural shorelines can be unpredictable, with sudden drop-offs and “false bottoms,” where the ground may feel solid but quickly give way. Visitors can go from shallow to deep water in a single step. Wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended when wading or swimming from the shoreline.
Lower water levels can also expose submerged hazards such as stumps, rocks, and debris just below the surface. Visitors are advised to never dive or jump into unfamiliar waters and to always enter feet first.
Swimmers should remain alert for nearby boat traffic, as operators may have difficulty seeing a swimmer’s head in the water. For safety, avoid swimming near boat ramps, docks, or vessels with running engines, as these areas present additional risks, including potential carbon monoxide exposure.
For the latest information on facility closures and conditions, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Operational Status website: https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/visitors/status.cfm, or check individual project Facebook pages.
Additional information on recreational opportunities in North Carolina and Virginia is available at the Wilmington District website: www.saw.usace.army.mil.
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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS –WILMINGTON DISTRICT
69 DARLINGTON AVE, WILMINGTON, N.C. 28403
WWW.SAW.USACE.ARMY.MIL
Release no. 26-008