Lake Okeechobee boat locks closing Tuesday as water levels drop

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (WINK)—Multiple navigational locks on Lake Okeechobee's north shore will temporarily close at the end of their operating hours on Tuesday, as the lake continues to recede.

According to the South Florida Water Management District, the water level in Lake Okeechobee dropped below 12 feet NGVD or 10.70 feet NAVD. The locks are closing for safety purposes and will remain completely closed to navigation 24 hours a day, seven days a week until specific water levels are met.

🚩 Navigation Notice 🚩Multiple navigational locks on Lake Okeechobee's north shore will temporarily close at the end of their operating hours tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. As the lake continues to recede, these locks are closing for safety purposes.The water level in… pic.twitter.com/aZs2jhTnRf

— South Florida Water Management District (@SFWMD) April 20, 2026

The S-135 Boat Lock at the J&S Fish Camp in Martin County will close at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The G-36 Boat Lock on Henry Creek in Okeechobee County will close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

The S-127 Boat Lock at Buckhead Ridge in Glades County will close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The S-131 Boat Lock in Lakeport in Glades County will also close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Boaters should plan accordingly and avoid these areas until the locks reopen.