Revised No Wake Zone On Rock River

  Narrative:  Sheriff Richard A. Meyers is announcing that the “No Wake Zone” implemented on the Rock River has been lifted from the Riverside Bridge south to the Fordham Dam in Winnebago County.  The No Wake Zone is still in effect for the entire Rock River north of the Riverside Bridge within Winnebago County, due to the high water and hazardous river conditions.  Upon inspecting the Rock River this morning by the Sheriff’s River Patrol Unit and Command staff it was determined that the river was still over its banks in several areas north of the Riverside Bridge.  Boaters are encouraged to use extreme caution when using the river for recreational purposes during this time as the presence of debris in the river creates hazardous conditions, which are difficult to detect.  Additionally, the increased water flow creates a much faster current than what has been experienced over the past few months with the lower water levels. These conditions increase the likelihood of problems for boaters, which results in exposing first responders to dangerous conditions should a rescue situation develop. The Sheriff’s Department will continue to monitor the river levels during the week and the National Weather Service is forecasting that the river level should continue to fall over the next several days.  For current river conditions, and any further updates, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888.