Boaters asked to avoid area of Rock River due to high water levels

(Rock Island, IL) -- Boaters are being asked to avoid a segment of the Rock River due to high water levels.

Rock Island city leaders say people should avoid the Rock River west of Ben Williamson Park, due to the river’s levels.

“The boat barrier buoys are currently not in place as a result of the high river level thus making the Steel Dam hard to see,” officials said in a release. “The high river level combined with the strong current makes this area extremely dangerous.”

City leaders ask that boaters avoid the area “at all cost.”

“Once the river level drops below 9.5 feet, the City of Rock Island will install the boat barrier buoys,” officials said. “As always, use caution when boating during high river conditions.”

(Photo by City of Rock Island)