WEST PALM BEACH — For boaters navigating to and from Lake Okeechobee, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) closed the S-193 lock on May 28 to protect the boating public and regional groundwater availability. Injury to boaters, damage to boats, and lock damage could occur if boats pass through this structure when water levels are not between the designated safety limits.

The lock is closed all seven days of the week effective immediately to protect boaters.

This map shows navigation locks on the North Shore of Lake Okeechobee maintained by SFWMD. Click on image to see a larger version.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains several boat ramps where boaters can still safely access Lake Okeechobee. Click HERE HERE to utilize FWC's Boat Ramp Finder Website to find boat ramps that can used to access the lake. Boat ramps that provide access include:

• Lake Okeechobee Culvert 7
• Okee-Tantie Recreation Area Airboat Ramp
• Okee-Tantie Recreation Area Marina and Boat Ramp

• C. Scott Driver Recreational Area
• Indian Prairie Canal Public Boat Ramp at State Road 78
• Bare Beach Boat Ramps
• Harney Pond Canal - Margaret Van de Velde Park - Southern Canal Side Boat Ramp
• Lakeport Boat Ramp
• Old Sportsmans Village

When conditions allow, SFWMD operates navigation locks on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee to provide greater lake access for the public.

On the south shore, the S-310 lock at Clewiston in Hendry County remains open. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the locks leading from the lake to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers.

To get the latest information on navigation through SFWMD structures and waterways, visit www.sfwmd.gov/navigation .

To get the latest information on Lake Okeechobee’s water volume, including daily levels, visit SFWMD’s website at www.sfwmd.gov/science-data/levels .