Beaver Lake Officials Prep for Busy Labor Day Weekend
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, officials at Beaver Lake are bracing themselves for a slew of visitors flocking to the water. With more boaters and swimmers expected to hit the lake, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is urging everyone to practice good water safety habits and exhibit courtesy towards one another.
Chief of the Beaver Lake Project Office, Colonel Damon Knarr, underscored the significance of water safety. This year alone, the Little Rock District has recorded more than 40 water-related accidents and 17 fatalities. In the face of such alarming statistics, the Corps is imploring visitors to wear life jackets, avoid operating boats while consuming alcohol, and swim only in designated areas.
Beaver Lake itself has undergone recent changes. The swim beach at Dam Site Lake Day Use Area has been reopened following a closure due to higher-than-acceptable E. coli levels. However, water levels remain a concern. Greers Ferry Lake, another key recreation spot, is currently more than 7 feet below the top of its conservation pool, requiring the closure of several boat launch ramps.
The Corps recommends planning extra time for arrival and departure at these ramps and exercising caution as some areas may contain underwater obstacles. The office is ensuring that at least one launch ramp remains open in each park to ensure access.
For the latest updates on water levels and recreation information, visitors can access the Little Rock District’s website, social media, or mobile app. With these precincts in place, Beaver Lake officials are hopeful of a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend for all.
### Key Safety Tips
- Wear life jackets at all times while on the water
- Avoid operating boats after consuming alcohol
- Swim only in designated swim areas
- Plan extra time for arrival and departure at boat launch ramps
- Be cautious of underwater obstacles and use depth finders
