ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. -- Low water levels at High Rock Lake have drawn concern from some government employees who are concerned for public safety.

State wildlife officials say the lake is down almost 10-feet since summer partly due to lack of rain and partly because hydro-electric operations are pulling more water to generate power because of the recent cold weather.

The water being this low could be dangerous for boaters unfamiliar with the area. North Carolina wildlife officer John Howell says "If you're unsure of the water depth you definitely want to slow down so if you do strike an object it wont be at high speed. At low speed, you're less like to damage your boat."

Stirling an object or the ground at high speed can throw you or your passengers from you boat, leading to injury and even death.

Similarly, striking objects that damage your boat may leave it inoperable and strand you until help is able to arrive. 

Officials are advising boat owners to remove their boats from the docks until the weather gets warmer and water is back to normal levels.