Hamilton County has prohibited recreational travel on the White River as officials warn that conditions remain life-threatening even as floodwaters recede.

The emergency order bars residents from kayaking, canoeing, swimming, tubing, wading or otherwise entering the river until further notice. Emergency management personnel and first responders are exempt.

Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman said officials are concerned that the receding water could tempt more people to enter the river.

“We have already seen a jet-ski pulling a skier,” Altman said. “People need to understand that the conditions are extremely dangerous. This is a life-or-death situation we’re currently in.”

Conditions are particularly dangerous near Hazel Dell Parkway and 106th Street in Carmel, where flooding washed out a bridge and caused significant erosion. The flooding also altered the White River’s course, sending water into the Martin Marietta quarry, a large open limestone quarry with multiple shelves and a steep drop-off.

Altman warned that people traveling beyond 116th Street could be diverted into Blue Woods Creek, pulled underwater, struck by the collapsed bridge or swept into the quarry.

“The current is powerful and unpredictable, and once it takes control, there may be no way out,” Altman said. “Stay out of the White River.”

The Hamilton County commissioners issued the Local Emergency Proclamation on Tuesday. The order also authorizes law enforcement officers to close river access points on county-owned property.

Anyone who sees someone in the White River or attempting to enter it should call 911 immediately, county officials said.

The proclamation is scheduled to remain in effect through Aug. 25 unless officials amend or rescind it earlier.

(This story was revised at 5:30pm after the county sent a revised press release)