Staff Report / June 11, 2025
Boaters are being urged to stay off Keuka Lake after a series of severe storms over the weekend caused elevated water levels and left behind dangerous debris, prompting law enforcement to impose a temporary boating ban.
In a joint announcement on Tuesday, Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard and Yates County Sheriff Frank Ryan cited widespread floating and submerged debris as the primary threat to public safety and lakeside property.
“Conditions on the lake have become unsafe for any kind of boating activity,” the sheriffs stated. “There is a high risk of damage to vessels and shoreline structures due to both visible and hidden debris.”
The storms, which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, overwhelmed the region’s drainage systems, leading to significant runoff into the lake. Officials say the surge in water levels has pushed logs, branches, and other debris into areas commonly used by recreational boaters.
Until further notice, residents and visitors are asked to avoid launching watercraft and to monitor updates from county emergency services. Authorities will continue to assess conditions in the coming days and will lift the restriction once the lake is deemed safe for navigation.
This is the second time in two years that Keuka Lake has faced temporary restrictions due to post-storm hazards, underscoring the growing impact of intense weather events on the region’s waterways.
