Boaters in Orange County urged to slow on rising lakes
Orange County commissioners passed a resolution Tuesday urging boaters to slow down and lakefront property owners to mark submerged docks because of high water levels on more than 50 county lakes.
Commissioners lack statutory authority to take tougher action or mandate “no wake” zones.
Commissioner Betsy Vander Ley, whose west Orange district includes the Butler Chain of Lakes in the Windermere area, raised the concerns to fellow board members to bring attention to potential high-water risks. She said she hoped boaters and water-front residents would heed the county’s advice.
“It goes to being a good neighbor and a responsible boat operator,” she said.
The resolution “encourages the operators of all vessels to operate in a cautious and prudent manner in order to avoid all navigational hazards and the likelihood of causing rough and turbulent waters.”
On some waterways, docks are hidden by high water or nearly submerged and may pose a danger to unsuspecting boaters.
Tony Cotter, an assistant county attorney, briefed commissioners on the law and suggested the county post “WARNING” notices at publicly owned docks where pleasure boaters may launch their vessels.
The signs alert a boater that “submerged objects” could be close to shore, hidden by high water.
Rainfall in parts of the county has measured 11 inches above normal through mid-September, causing higher than usual levels in 55 of the 113 lakes monitored by the county’s environmental protection division.
Signs will be posted at county-owned boat ramps on the St. Johns River, Lake Apopka, Lake Conway, Lake Down and Lake Palmer at R.D. Keene Park near Windermere.
County authorities said wake-making boats could force high water into yards or homes along the shore. Cotter said the voluntary measures, which could be enacted quickly without an ordinance, might reduce shoreline erosion and property damage.
The county imposed restrictive temporary actions in 2004 following hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne, but the lakes were higher and floating debris was common then.