A potential water emergency on Owasco Lake Tuesday evening turned out to be a false alarm, thanks to a swift and coordinated response by local rescue teams.
At approximately 8:45 p.m., Fleming Water Rescue was dispatched after a boater reported an unidentified dive buoy just south of the Emerson Park piers that could not be lifted.
The concern prompted a full emergency response, with two units responding on the water, while an ambulance staged at Emerson Park.
Using sonar equipment, both departments located the buoy and determined it was a scuba diving surface marker.
After confirming details with the City of Auburn Water Department, responders learned the buoy was intentionally marking the end of the city’s water intake pipe, which was undergoing maintenance.
Crews cleared the scene by 9:15 p.m., and all units were back in service. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of clear communication during ongoing infrastructure projects.
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