Boating Safety Reminders for the Upcoming Holiday Weekend

The South Florida Water Management District (District) reminds boaters to exercise caution and practice safe boating during the upcoming holiday weekend.

Safety Reminders
Holiday weekends are traditionally a time of increased traffic on South Florida's waterways. Boaters are encouraged to follow safe boating practices:

• Wear a life jacket while on the water.
• Pay close attention to your surroundings.
• Closely follow posted signage in 'no wake' and 'slow speed' zones.
• Report emergencies and accidents to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or call *FWC or #FWC.
• Have a Float Plan. Let friends and family know where you are going and when you will return.
• Have a designated operator and never boat under the influence.
• Watch the weather and check the forecast regularly.

Navigation Lock Operations
The District maintains 11 navigation locks along the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee.

As a reminder, boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that multiple navigational locks on Lake Okeechobee's north shore remain temporarily closed for safety purposes. The water level in Lake Okeechobee dropped below 12 feet NGVD or 10.70 feet NAVD on April 22, 2026, and the following locks remain completely closed to navigation 24 hours a day / 7 days a week until specific water levels are met.

• S-135 Boat Lock at the J&S Fish Camp in Martin County.
• G-36 Boat Lock on Henry Creek in Okeechobee County.
• S-127 Boat Lock at Buckhead Ridge in Glades County.
• S-131 Boat Lock in Lakeport in Glades County.

The S-193 Boat Lock at Taylor Creek in Okeechobee County will remain open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. If the lake level reaches 11 feet NGVD or 9.70 feet NAVD, the S-193 Boat Lock will also completely close.

Shoaling Conditions
Boaters are encouraged to exercise caution on the Kissimmee River (C-38 Canal). Boaters may encounter shoaling and other hazards near the U.S. Highway 98 Bridge upstream of the S-65D structure.

Visit SFWMD.gov/Navigation to get the latest information on navigation through SFWMD structures and waterways. Anglers and boaters may also access local waterways through other public boat ramps. Visit FWC Boat Ramp Finder to find one near you.