NY Reminds Lake, River Boaters To Observe 5 Mph Speed Limit

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — State officials are reminding boaters to observe the 5 mph speed limit while cruising within 600 feet of shore along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

Authorities say water levels remain at historic highs weeks after flooding first started along an eight-county stretch of shoreline from the Niagara River to the Thousand Islands.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation says the 5 mph limit helps control wakes and prevents damage to shorelines and infrastructure such as docks. It also lessens the risk of boaters running into floating debris or submerged objects.

The reminder comes as schools let out for the summer and the peak boating season kicks in on New York waterways.