The effects of Tropical Storm Henri continue to cause high water levels on the Lehigh River.

A local rafting outfitter and kayak instructor issued a strong warning to novice boaters thinking of venturing out on the river after the storm.

“Do not let your need for adventure put dozens of water rescue professionals at risk as they are called to save you, your family or your friends,” Jerry McAward of Jim Thorpe River Adventures and Northeast PA Kayak School said on Tuesday morning.

Water levels on the Lehigh have decreased from their peak Monday morning, which were near flood stage levels. However they were expected to rise after the Francis E. Walter Dam significantly increased its output late Monday night.

At Lehighton, the Lehigh crested at 4:30 a.m. Monday at 9.68 feet. Flood stage for the river is 10 feet. The water completely submerged low areas like Dunbar’s Beach in Lehighton.

As of 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the level at Lehighton was still 7.63 feet, about three times higher than the normal level.

The storm led to a rise in water levels at Francis E. Walter Dam, which has the primary function of preventing flood damage along the Lehigh. As water levels went down on the Lehigh, the Army Corps of Engineers increased the release from the dam to 8,000 cubic feet per second. Discharge during a normal whitewater dam release is about 1,000 cfs.

McAward posted on social media Tuesday morning that no one except the most experienced whitewater boaters should go out on the Lehigh on Tuesday.

“If you and/or your friends have kayaked the Lehigh at ordinary levels, and feel the need to kick up it up a notch and go today, or this week, change your mind, or change theirs. Do Not Go,” McAward said.

Even with a life jacket and helmet, attempting to boat or tube on the Lehigh would be dangerous, McAward said.

Islands and banks are inundated with water, McAward said, meaning that someone who falls out of their boat could travel more than a mile downstream before being able to safely exit.

McAward said attempting to go boating on the Lehigh could lead to a rescue which would put rescuers at unneeded risk.

“Let’s get through this week with nobody drowning on our local river because we overstated our skills on a sunny day at near flood stage.”