As we get closer to the boating season, just a heads-up that the New York State Canal System is still not open yet.

Water levels are currently very high across a number of lakes and connecting rivers, including Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, and the Oswego River system. Because of that, a lot of normal shorelines are underwater, debris is floating around, and it’s difficult to see what’s just below the surface. Even areas that are usually safe can be unpredictable right now.

Running a boat in these conditions isn’t just risky for you and your vessel, it can also cause shoreline damage from wakes and create environmental issues while the water is this high.

Bottom line: it’s best to stay off these waterways for now and wait until levels drop and the Canal System officially opens.