Boater advisory lifted for Cayuga Lake

Seneca County Sheriff Jack S. Stenberg has lifted the boater advisory which has been in effect since early May for Cayuga Lake.This morning, the Sheriff, Undersheriff Gary Sullivan, Seneca County Director of Emergency Management Charles McCann and Red Jacket Fire Chief Alan Larsen took a walking tour of the hardest hit flooded areas of Northern Cayuga Lake. The group spoke with property owners who had been affected by late April – early May flooding.“Cayuga Lake levels are now at a stage where we feel comfortable lifting the boater advisory which has been in effect since May 2, 2011, which restricted boat speed and wakes within 500 feet of shorelines” said Stenberg. “We do however, urge boaters on all Seneca County waterways to exercise extreme caution for debris that is still floating on or just under the surface of the water. The other night a boat had to be towed off Cayuga Lake by Red Jacket Firefighters after having struck a submerged log which caused extensive damage to the boat”, continued the Sheriff. The Sheriff commended the efforts of firefighters and volunteers who conducted sand bagging operations around the clock which averted a great deal of property damage as a result of the flooding.“We would like all users of Seneca County waterways to be mindful that they share and enjoy our lakes with property owners and the public. We will have our Navigation Division on the water throughout the upcoming holiday weekend to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend.The same boater advisory for Seneca Lake was lifted yesterday by Sheriff Stenberg.