BALDWINSVILLE N.Y-- It's been a slow start to the boating season in Central New York.
Heavy rains and flooding have shut down a majority of the state canal system, including parts of the Seneca River.
The canals are set to open to the public on Friday, and sheriff deputies want boaters to be on alert.
They say that high water levels are not the only concern, and that boaters should be aware of debris.
"There's still all that debris from the high water in the canal, a lot of hidden dangers, full sized trees coming down, docks, all the stuff that was washed off people's property is coming down the water, so you have to utilize definitely more caution than you normally would," said Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy James McKenna.
This year the canal will be free for all recreational boaters.