By AP
Skiatook, OK – Swim beach at NE Okla lake to close due to drought
SKIATOOK, Okla. (AP) A swim beach at a northeastern Oklahoma lake is closing because of low water levels brought on by continuing drought conditions.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Tulsa District office says the swim beach at Tall Chief Cove on Skiatook Lake will close June 15. Officials say the lake is almost six feet below its normal pool elevation and the lake level is still falling.
Greg Bersche, the park ranger at Skiatook Lake, says that relocating the swimming area to deeper water isn't a safe option because of underwater obstructions in the area, the Tall Chief Creek channel and a nearby boating lane.
Bersche says the swim beach will reopen when conditions are considered safe.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.