GRDA Police encourage safe outings on the lakes and river during July 4 Holiday

Whether your holiday weekend plans take you to the waters of Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, or the Scenic Illinois River; the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department is encouraging you to boat safe, smart, and sober.

The Independence Day holiday is typically one of the busiest times on the lakes and river and 2023 should be no exception. On all these waters, GRDA Police will be out in full force to perform patrols, assist boaters and, of course, promote safe outings.

“We want visitors to our waters to wear their life jackets, use common sense on the water and enjoy their outing,” said GRDA Public Information Officer Justin Alberty, adding that part of safe, smart boating and floating includes knowing the water conditions.

“On the lake or the river, it is important to have some knowledge of the conditions and the area you will be visiting. Check the river conditions and the lake level before getting on the water, and let somebody know your plan, where you are headed on your outing and what time you expect to return.”

GRDA is also reminding boaters of the special rules in place for both the Duck Creek arm of Grand Lake and Woodard Hollow, shared below:

The Duck Creek boating rules are as follows:

• All watercraft wider than 8.5 feet shall operate at “idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek. (If the vessel is wider than 8.5 ft. Duck Creek is no wake for the vessel at all times regardless of length).
• All watercraft longer than 30 feet shall operate at “idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek. (If the vessel is longer than 30 ft., Duck Creek is no wake for the vessel at all times regardless of width).
• All watercraft smaller than both measurements listed above may operate on plane not to exceed 30 mph in Duck Creek from official sunrise to official sunset.
• All watercraft must “idle” and avoid producing a wake from official sunset to official sunrise (nighttime) in Duck Creek between May 1 and Oct. 1. (No wake in Duck Creek for all vessels at night).
• All watercrafts must stay to the right of the center lane of buoys and at least 150 feet away from any dock, breakwater, structure, or shoreline.
• On the actual day of the Duck Creek Fireworks (Tuesday, July 4, 2023), all watercrafts shall operate at “idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek (all day, all night).
• The area known as “The Turn” (area near Harbor’s View and Ugly John’s) is a no wake zone for all vessels at all times.
• Areas north of “The Turn” are No Skiing areas and the vessel size restrictions mentioned above apply to this area as well.

The Woodard Hollow boating rules are as follows:

• All watercraft wider than 8.5 feet shall operate at “idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Woodard Hollow. If the vessel is wider than 8.5 feet, Woodard Hollow is no wake for the vessel at all times regardless of length.
• All watercraft longer than 30 feet shall operate at “idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Woodard Hollow. If the vessel is longer than 30 feet, Woodard Hollow is a no wake for the vessel at all times regardless of width.
• All watercraft smaller than both measurements listed above may operate on plane not to exceed 30 mph in Woodard Hollow from official sunrise to official sunset.
• All watercraft must stay at least 150 feet away from any dock, breakwater, structure, or shoreline at any speed above “idle”.

While these are special rules for specific areas of Grand Lake, the GRDA Police reminds lake visitors that following lake rules and proper boating practices on all areas of the water is the best way to ensure a safe outing.

What follows is a simple guide to some of the frequently asked questions concerning lake rules.

• Boats must not operate within 200 feet of any GRDA dam or no closer than 500 feet during generation.
• Boats, including personal watercraft (PWCs) must not operate within 50 feet of another vessel when running at speeds over 10 miles per hour (provided this prohibition shall not apply to vessels operating in sanctioned events).
• The nighttime speed limit on GRDA lakes is 25 miles per hour.
• Wake jumping is prohibited in any cove, creek or hollow.
• Water skiing, jet skiing and similar activities are permitted only during daylight hours and are prohibited upstream from above Twin Bridges, in Elm Creek, east of Grove. A boat towing a skier must have a person (at least 8 years old) in position to observe that skier, unless a rear-view mirror has been installed for boat operator observation of skier.

Finally, GRDA Police continues to stress the dangers of drinking and boating. According to United States Coast Guard statistics on recreational boating, alcohol use remains the leading contributing factor in boating accidents.

“Alcohol use can impair your judgment, your depth perception and your overall ability to operate a vessel,” said Alberty. “Additionally, it can create a dangerous situation not only for you but for your passengers and everyone else in the water around you.”

GRDA officers will be continuing the “I Got Caught” life jacket campaign during the July 4 holiday, on GRDA lakes and the Illinois River. As part of the program, free t-shirts are given to those boaters who are “caught” wearing their life jackets on GRDA waters.

Finally, if you are on the water and need immediate assistance, the GRDA Police recommends you call 911.

For more information on the department and lake safety, or for information on how an officer can assist you, contact the department at (918) 256 0911 or visit us online at grda.com.