Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
(PATOKA) - Southern Indiana’s popular Patoka Lake Beach is closed until further notice after Department of Natural Resources officials said it was unsafe.
Officials cited shoreline problems and dry conditions as reasons behind shutting the beach down. The water lever is also too low for swimmers.
News of the beach's closing upset some area residents.
"I know some people want to come down to the beach. The last couple of weekends have been pretty busy. I work at a rental company and they've been kind of depressed that the beach was closed," resident Mark Clutinger said.
The shoreline's shape under the water's surface is so unique that swimmers could run into areas with sudden drop-offs because of the lake's low levels.
Officials also advised boaters to be extra careful in the shallow water.
Nancy Gilbert owns Terry's Pit Stop on Patoka Lake and said the beach's closing should have little impact on her business.
"Many people come to Patoka Lake for the boating, the outdoor experience of hiking, canoeing and camping, so the small part of the beach being closed, I really don't see the impact at all," Gilbert said. "Hopefully, we'll have rain so we can have our beach back open."
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