LA CROSSE, Wis. — The La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office wants boaters to use extra caution on the Mississippi River due to high water.

The Mississippi River is at near flood-stage levels near La Crosse, which means there could be added potential for debris that could puncture a boat or damage a motor.

Sheriff’s deputies are on patrol to make sure boaters slow down.

Sheriff’s Deputy Patty Meoska said when the water is above the 10-foot mark, there is a slow no wake zone in many parts of the river.

She said high waters can make navigating tricky, especially for out-of-town boaters who might be unfamiliar with the river.