ROGERS, Ark. — The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) wants boaters to be aware of Beaver Lake's conditions for a safe Memorial Day weekend.
Spots at campgrounds and marinas have already started filling ahead of Memorial Day as visitors made their way to Beaver Lake.
Some campers have brought their trucks, trailers, and boats to enjoy the amenities of the lake to its fullest for the holiday. Ethan Stark and his family made their way to Hickory Creek with their fishing boats, ready for a work tournament this Sunday.
"We're just spending some good time fishing and camping on this beautiful weekend," Stark said.
Showers are parting to give this weekend some sun, but as any boater knows, the weather continues to change the water.
"You've just got a little bit of extra water there for folks to boat around on," USACE spokesperson Jay Townsend said.
Townsend explains that rain and runoff have contributed to Beaver Lake going four feet into its flood stage. That's why the corps is cautioning boaters as they unofficially start summer.
"Stick to areas that you're familiar with and the main channels just so that you don't get too close to some of those edges, where a few more things may be submerged," Townsend said.
Townsend added that USACE bought land around Beaver Lake to combat any issues with debris. He says the trees and vegetation have also helped absorb the rain in the dry spells between showers.
"That vegetative buffer helps keep a lot of the things we don't want on Beaver Lake, off of Beaver Lake, and that's why it's important to keep that shoreline pristine," Townsend explained.
The corps urges visitors to keep up to date with their region's weather. They want boaters to avoid being caught in the water should a storm come near.
"Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away. And so if you see a storm coming up over a hill, it's time to start thinking about getting out," Townsend said.
Clark and his family say they're ready for the weekend, carrying the most important tool for anyone on the water: life jackets. Townsend explained that it's required for anyone 12 years old or younger to wear a life jacket, but they recommend everyone wear the appropriate life jacket.
"Most of the time when people drown, it's the people that don't even expect to get in. So that's why we just recommend that you always wear a life jacket when you're on or around the water," Townsend said.
If you're not a fan of being on a moving object out on the water, no worries. USACE announced most of the swimming beaches are back open for swimming again. Until further notice, the Dam Site Island beach is still closed to swimmers.
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