Large inflatables banned from area lakes

As Memorial Day weekend nears, Duke Energy is reminding residents of area lakes managed by the company that large inflatables are prohibited, including trampolines, slides and diving boards.

Last summer, Duke Energy offered lake residents a grace period and allowed the inflatables to remain through Labor Day 2014.

That period has ended, and large inflatable recreation equipment is now prohibited.

That goes for Catawba-Wateree, Keowee-Toxaway and Nantahala area lakes managed by the company under federal license, including Lake Norman, Lake Wylie and Mountain Island Lake in the immediate Charlotte area.

Large inflatables can block navigational access and raise aesthetic objections, the company said.

If Duke Energy lake services representatives identify prohibited large inflatables during routine observations, the homeowner will receive notification explaining that the equipment must be permanently removed.

Smaller water toys used primarily with moving watercraft, such as ski and inner tubes, and towables for three or fewer people, are permitted.

Details: Duke Energy Lake Services at 800-443-5193.

This story was originally published May 13, 2015 at 8:45 AM with the headline "Large inflatables banned from area lakes."