Appeal to private boat owners: refrain from excursions on the lakes

Dear boat owners, we ask you to take note of the following media release of the Central Switzerland Police Corps and to refrain from boating under the given circumstances.

Press release of the Central Swiss Police Corps:

Due to the high water levels of the lakes, the Central Swiss police corps ask private boaters to refrain from excursions. Waves can further exacerbate the situations at facilities and properties close to the shore.

As is well known, lakes and watercourses in the cantons of Central Switzerland have risen sharply due to the heavy rainfall. For many waters, the danger level 5 applies (very high danger) and in many places the water has already overflowed its banks. On the lakes, most shipping companies have ceased operations. Waves can flood the water with other parts of the shore, causing additional damage to properties and facilities. Furthermore, floating jetties can be damaged by additional waves. For these reasons, the Central Swiss Police Corps are asking private boaters, also with a view to the coming weekend, to generally refrain from driving. For really necessary trips, care must be taken to keep the impact of the waves as minim as possible.

Further information to the population
• Do not engage in “disaster tourism”! Do not put themselves in areas of damage and thus in unnecessary danger to take pictures.
• Stay away from bodies of water, especially watercourses, because staying in the area of rivers and streams is extremely dangerous.
• Follow the instructions of the emergency services.
• Do not go to basements or underground garages if there is a risk of flooding.
• Do not drive vehicles through flooded roads.