Keystone Lake's high water levels prompt Memorial Day safety alert

With Keystone Lake sitting about five feet above its normal level, park officials and marina staff are urging visitors to prioritize safety this Memorial Day weekend. The popular destination expects heavy crowds, as the holiday marks the unofficial start of summer.

“Memorial Day is definitely one of our busiest weekends,” said Hutch Todd, Assistant Lake Manager at Keystone. “We want to make sure everybody gets a couple of tips to stay safe.” 

Todd says high water levels can mean hidden hazards—like submerged logs or unfamiliar shoreline terrain—so boaters should navigate with extra caution.

Officials recommend the following tips:

1. Always wear a life jacket — not just for kids, but adults too.
2. Designate a sober boat operator — boating under the influence can lead to DUI charges.
3. Watch children closely — assign a “water watcher” in every group.
4. Avoid diving in unclear water — debris may be present due to recent flooding.
5. Swim with a buddy — and never swim alone.

Sean Adair, General Manager of Pier 51 Marina, recalled a tragic incident when a child drowned after briefly being left unattended. 

“You don’t even think about stuff like that happening. When it does, it’s very tragic—and it ruins the summer for everybody,” he said. 

Both he and Todd say their goal is simple: making sure everyone who visits the lake also gets to go home safely.

Todd has more on the conditions at Keystone and how people can be safe: