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:
Boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that multiple navigational locks on Lake Okeechobee's north shore will temporarily close at the end of their operating hours tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. As the lake continues to recede, these locks are closing for safety purposes.
Boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee should be advised that if current dry conditions persist and the levels of Lake Okeechobee continue to recede, the South Florida Water Management District will close or alter the operations of multiple navigational locks on Lake Okeechobee's north shore.
As of today, Friday, February 27, 2026, the water level in Lake Okeechobee is 12.26 feet NGVD or 10.97 feet NAVD.
The G-36 Boat Lock at Henry Creek in Okeechobee County on Lake Okeechobee's North Shore will temporarily close for routine maintenance next week. The boat lock will close on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 9:00 p.m. and is expected to re-open at 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Boaters will not be able to lock through the structure and should make alternate plans.
