TULSA, Okla. — Grand River Dam Authority has notified businesses along the Illinois River that floating will not be permitted the weekend of July 18, 19, and 20, due to high water levels from overnight rains.
A representative with GRDA said this happens from time to time. They said that as the water level drops, specific devices and age groups will be allowed to float again, until the restriction is removed completely.
WATCH: NO FLOATING: High water causes floating cancellations at Illinois river
2 News Oklahoma's Brodie Myers listened to Cody Bartmess, owner of All American Floats. He is feeling the brunt of the closure.
"It's been a rough year," Bartmess said, "It's hurting all operators."
Though the floating is on a pause, the Morgan family still found a way to have fun.
"“People down here just have a good time, you know, and hang out,” Jeff Morgan said.
Morgan said he understands GRDA's decision.
“You get people down here that don’t really know what they’re doing, and are new to it, I mean, they’re gonna flip over and you know, you can’t never tell what’s gonna happen,” Morgan said.
GRDA stated that it will monitor water levels and provide updates.
Illinois River business All American Floats posted to social media on July 18, saying it will be closed due to the cancellation of floating. In the post, the business said it will monitor conditions and hopes to reopen on Sunday, July 20.
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