While Entergy owns and operates the dams that created the lakes about a century ago, it also manages and protects the shorelines from dangerous or unsafe construction of docks, structures and dock debris.

Although Entergy manages the shoreline, the waters themselves fall under several jurisdictions, depending on whatever the issue is that needs to be reported and/or addressed. In some cases, more than one jurisdiction may handle similar calls, so there may be some overlap in responsibilities.

Here is a general list of who is responsible for what when it comes to the local waters:

Call 911 for:

• Emergencies such as accidents, fires, EMS
• Problems detected at the dams, such as structural concerns, leaks, etc.
• Unusual or unexpected flooding of areas, especially on clear days

Garland County Sheriff’s Office/Marine Patrol: 501-622-3666

• ATVs or vehicles being driven in lakebed
• Boating accidents
• Reports of careless and reckless boating
• General boat theft
• Theft of private property
• Boating while intoxicated
• Abandoned or sunken boat

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: 833-356-0824

• Boating accidents
• Reports of careless and reckless boating
• Boating while intoxicated
• Hunting from the islands, boats or lakebed

Garland County Inspections Department: 501-609-9067 (outside city limits)

• Storm water soil runoff
• Fires in the lakebed
• Yard waste, trees blown (or thrown) into lakebed

City of Hot Springs Utilities 501-623-7473

• Sewage pump station alarms or overflow

Garland County Road Department 501-767-9174 (outside city limits)

• Clogged storm drains, roads with ponding water

Hot Springs Storm Water Division: 501-321-6743 (in city limits)

• Clogged storm drains, roads with ponding water
• Storm water soil runoff/illicit discharge

Arkansas Department of Transportation — 870-623-8312

• Lights out on the bridges

Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality: 501-682-0744

• Water quality and testing
• Illicit discharges (pool backwashing into water, sewer issues)

Coast Guard auxiliary: 501-762-0337

• Removal of large, woody debris in the navigable channel

Entergy Lakes Management: shoreline@entergy.com or lakepermits@entergy.com

• New construction, remodeling, repair of facilities along the shoreline, in the lake or on Entergy property
• Landscaping and building activity along the shoreline
• Permit transfers for property buyers/sellers
• Questions about inspections of existing facilities
• Lighting, electrical, address signage codes
• Reports of floating dock debris
• Reporting of docks in need of repair

Each weekend from Memorial Day to Labor Day, hundreds of people bring tubes, kayaks and canoes to Entergy Arkansas’ Remmel Dam to float, paddle and sail their way to the Whitewater Park in Malvern.

Remmel Dam – which has been producing hydroelectricity for the past 100 years – along with Entergy employees who operate the plant – help create this summer pastime with recreational flows that provide the perfect conditions for floating down the river.

To make the most of this fun activity, here are some helpful and important things to know.

RECREATIONAL FLOWS

The best time to float is when temperatures either feel like or are over 90 degrees and sunny. Some clouds are fine but keep an eye on the weather report for possible afternoon showers/storms.

Remmel Dam’s recreational flows normally take place from Noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. But, to take advantage of full floating without having to pick up your tube and walk, you need to be on the river at least two hours before the end of the recreational flow window – usually by 3 p.m. Occasionally, the recreational flow schedule is adjusted, based on weather or other activities taking place at the dam or on the river. Visit for regular updates and times.

Flows above 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) are not recommended for floating. Flows lower than 3,200 cfs may be too low for an enjoyable float, although the higher and lower flow levels can generally be navigated with a kayak. Current conditions for the various waterways can be found through USGS or at where the USGS river flow is listed under the Remmel Dam Site.

PUT IN/TAKE OUT LOCATIONS

The entrance for floating is a boat ramp near the dam. Drive through the gate, which is located just past the Remmel Dam operations entrance at 170 Remmel Dam Road. The gate closes each night at 10 p.m. Be sure to read the posted signs. Note: While the official address for the dam is 170 Remmel Dam Road, some navigational services can have problems directing you to the right location. If you are coming from Interstate 30, make sure you take Exit 98B – Hwy 270 – Hot Springs exit in Malvern.

The exit for floating is at Ouachita River Whitewater Park, located at 904 Riverview Drive in Malvern. While the put in and take out locations are only about 15 minutes apart by road, you will need two cars – one to park at the dam entrance, and the other to park at the Whitewater Park exit. There is a company that provides shuttle service. Diamond Lakes River Shuttle can be found on Facebook @diamondlakesrivershuttle, or call 501-282-2701.

Do not park where there are red markings on the rocks at the dam parking lot. This denotes no-parking zones. They mark the emergency access lanes to the area and the concrete boat ramp located there. Anyone who parks in those areas may be towed.

WHAT TO EXPECT

It generally takes three to four hours to float the river, depending on how many breaks you might take. There are about three gravel-bar locations along the route if you’d like to stop and have lunch or take breaks. Do not stop in areas marked no trespassing, as that is private property.

The center of the river provides faster flow. Pro tip: bring paddles to avoid the bushes, logs and trees near the banks, especially on the lefthand side. Those can be thorny and hazardous to tubes if you run into them!

The depths of the river can vary, depending on location. Some places will allow you to stand. Other spots will be over your head. Life jackets for children and weak swimmers are recommended.

Make sure you begin your float at least two hours before recreational flow ends. If not, you may end up walking for a significant portion of your trip, as the water will fall quickly once the recreational flow is stopped from the dam.

Another important tip: ÌýYou know you are at the take-out spot when you see the I-30 bridge over the Ouachita River. When you see the bridge, start making your way to the left bank. You can exit the river by climbing the bank, or you can choose to go through the Whitewater Park rapid.Ìý There is a boat ramp on the left, after the rapid but before you get to the bridge. Make sure to stay on the far left at the Waterpark to exit, or else the strong currents could push you past the take-out point and you will have to paddle back upstream! It is also helpful to stay in your raft until closer to shore because the currents can be difficult.

Be careful when getting off the tubes. The currents and rocks can be tricky to navigate.

Remember the gates at Remmel Dam close at 10 p.m. each night for security reasons, so plan accordingly.

WHAT TO BRING

• Any non-motorized watercraft. Make sure tubes are rugged enough for the river environment. Tip: Leaf blowers can inflate tubes in no time. Just deflate tubes at the end of the float and load into the car.
• Rope to tether multiple tubes together, so you and your party don’t get separated. Make sure ropes are securely fastened to the tubes!
• Plenty of sunscreen. Plan to reapply several times throughout the float.
• Sunglasses and hats. The river can be very sunny and bright.
• Water shoes – no flip flops! The river bottom and parking lots are rocky, and you need good foot support.
• Life jackets for children or weak swimmers. Life jackets are always a good idea!
• Coolers with snacks, beverages, and a trash bag. Please hydrate in the heat, drink responsibly and take your trash with you.
• Leave no trace!

Entergy Arkansas cares about your safety. Besides looking out for storm debris, follow some basic water safety tips from Entergy’s website:

/operations_information/hydro/public_safety/

Whether you’re on an Entergy lake or water anywhere else, please keep these safety tips in mind:

Boating

• Obey all boating laws.
• Reduce your boat’s speed in congested areas.
• Hypothermia Kills – Dress properly and always wear a life jacket.
• Beware of shallow areas, underwater obstructions and floating debris when boating.
• Exercise extreme caution when operating sailboats in the vicinity of overhead utility lines.
• Obey the Rules of the Road when boating.
• Alcohol mixed with boating can be lethal.
• Children 12 years & younger must wear a US Coast Guard-approved Life Jacket.
• State law requires you to slow down to 5-mph when within 100 feet of all docks, swimmers, bridges and anchored boats. Turn on your navigational lights at night.
• Water levels above and below the dams are subject to fluctuations without warning; obey all warning signs and sirens.

Skiing

• Skiing is dangerous for non-swimmers.
• Always wear an approved life jacket.
• Stay in open water and watch for swimmers.
• Always have an observer on board.
• Swimming
• Check the water depth before you dive.
• Swim with others – not by yourself.
• Avoid the regular boat channels, launching ramps and docks.
• Swim, dive and wade where you are familiar with the water depth & the bottom.Ìý
• Life jackets, they float — you don’t.
• Watch Children closely.
• Know your abilities because water distances are deceiving.
• Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat.

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