Boat ban for Stump and Nicola Lake until further notice

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District has issued a ban on all motorized boating on Stump Lake and Nicola Lake in B.C.'s Interior until further notice.

Water levels in the lakes have been rising due to flooding in the region.

The safety announcement said the main concern for boaters is the amount of debris in the water.

Flooding has deposited logs, large trees and branches into the lakes, makingnavigation hazardous.

With high water levels, the district believes that boat wakesespecially close to lakeside properties can cause a threat to people and properties.

Drive B.C. has also issued a warning for Highway5A which goes through the region, saying there could be potential debris like logs deposited on the road from wave action on Nicola Lake.

No boat ban yet on Okanagan Lake

The Central Okanagan Emergency Operations has not implemented a boating ban for Okanagan Lake, but is urging boaters avoid vulnerable areas due to high water and possible wave action.

These areas include the entire waterfront between Poplar Point and Cedar Creek in Kelowna, and the entire downtown waterfront of Peachland among others.

The City of West Kelowna has closed its boat launches for recreational use.

A full updated list can be found on the Central Okanagan Emergency Operations website.

Boaters are also advised to go slow.

Those in violation of the ban are subject to prosecution and/or fines.