June 19 GRDA Weekly Update
Boating Under the Influence
Recreational activities on the water, whether boating or floating, are a perfect way to escape for Oklahoman’s. But the use of alcohol is common among those who play on our lakes and rivers, which often results in devastating consequences. The fact that alcohol use continues to be the leading cause factor in fatal boating crashes is a testament to the affects of alcohol and drug use while operating a boat. The problem is compounded by the misconception that there are “No Rules” on our lakes and rivers. It is our job as area law enforcement to remind you that there are laws about drinking and driving a boat that we enforce to protect the public.
Every boater needs to understand the risks of boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI) because the use of alcohol is involved in a third of all recreational boating fatalities. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state, including Oklahoma, and the law applies to all boats, from canoes and kayaks to the largest of ships.
While there is almost an expectation that alcohol use will be included in any trip to the lake or river, alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a driver, drink for drink. The marine environment of motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray accelerates a drinker's impairment. These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol. Plus, alcohol will increase the likelihood of dehydration. As a result of these factors, a boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration above .10 percent is estimated to be more than 10 times as likely to die in a boating crash than an operator with zero blood alcohol concentration. Passengers are also at an increased risk for injury and death - especially if they are also using alcohol.
Alcohol use also increases the dangers for boaters because boat operators are often less experienced and less confident on the water than on the highway. Recreational boaters don't have the benefit of experiencing daily boat operation. In fact, few boat operators take the time to attend a boat operator course to learn the rules of navigation and how to property drive a boat, and boaters average only 110 hours on the water per year.
Boating, fishing, floating, rafting and other water sports are fun in their own right. But alcohol can turn a great day on the water into the tragedy of a lifetime.
Consider these alternatives to using alcohol while afloat:
· Take along a variety of cool drinks, such as sodas, water, iced tea, lemonade or non-alcoholic beer, and remember to stay hydrated.
· Bring plenty of food and snacks.
· Wear clothes that will help keep you and your passengers cool.
· Plan to limit your trip to a reasonable time to avoid fatigue. Remember that it's common to become tired more quickly on the water.
· If you want to make alcohol part of your day's entertainment, plan to have a party ashore at the dock, in a picnic area, at a boating club, or in your backyard. Choose a location where you'll have time between the fun and getting back into your car or boat.
· If you dock somewhere for lunch or dinner and drink alcohol with your meal, wait a reasonable amount of time before operating your boat.
· Having no alcohol while aboard is the safest way to enjoy the water, or designate a sober boat driver. And don’t forget that intoxicated passengers are also at risk of injury and falls overboard.
· Spread the word on the dangers of BUI. Many recreational boaters forget that a boat is a vehicle - and that safe operation is a legal and personal responsibility.
Oklahoma law states that a person is considered to be "under the influence" if he or she:
- Has an alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher as measured in the person’s breath or blood or ...
- Is under the influence of any other intoxicating substance to a degree which makes him or her incapable of safely operating the vessel or ...
- Is under the influence of alcohol and any other intoxicating substance to a degree which makes him or her incapable of safely operating the vessel.
Oklahoma law establishes the following penalties.
- On a first conviction of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the violator will receive a fine of up to $1,000.
- On a subsequent conviction of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the violator will receive a fine of up to $2,500 and not less than $1,000.
By operating a vessel on Oklahoma waters, you have consented to be tested for the presence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances if arrested by a peace officer. Failure to submit to testing for the presence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicating substances will be admissible as evidence in trial.
It Only Takes Seconds to Drown
Thefts Reported
The warm weather results in an increase in the number of crimes being reported on the water at night. Police are currently investigating reported thefts from multiple boats in the Elk River area. It is believed this is occurring from sunset to 2 AM.
Police remind you to keep your valuables locked up, keep the lights on at your dock and report any suspicious activity you see or hear at night. Call GRDA Police at 918-256-0911 if you have any information about these or other crimes.
GRDA receives “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition”
Debbie Dooley (right), Field Representative for Congressman Markwayne Mullin, presents a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” to GRDA President/CEO Dan Sullivan (center) and GRDA Vice President of Ecosystems and Lake Management Dr. Darrell Townsend. The certificate was in recognition of GRDA’s “Rush For Brush” fisheries habitat enhancement program.
The Grand River Dam Authority’s innovative “Rush For Brush” program, which has focused on fisheries enhancement of GRDA lake waters for over a decade, was recently recognized by Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2).
In early June, Mullin’s Office presented the GRDA program with a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” to honor its years of success in constructing and deploying thousands of artificial fish habitats in the waters of Grand and Hudson lakes. Those habitats – built by volunteer labor with materials supplied by GRDA – provide cover for small fish and, in turn, create a fish attractant which is popular with area fishermen.
“Rush For Brush” has grown in popularity and participation every year since its 2007 beginning. Earlier this year, it also received the National Hydropower Association (NHA) “Outstanding Stewards of America’s Waters” award.
“We appreciate this recognition from Congressman Mullin as we work to fulfill our stewardship mission for Oklahoma,” said GRDA President/CEO Dan Sullivan. “Much of the credit also goes to the many volunteers over the years who have helped to make the program a success.”
Is Your Boat Registration Current?
GRDA Controlled Hunts 2018
The Grand River Dam Authority is announcing that it will once again hold controlled hunts, for the upcoming deer and waterfowl seasons, on its Ottawa County properties along the Neosho River. Those interested in applying for these special draw hunts, can register online at www.grda.com/grda-hunting-drawing. The registration period begins June 1 and runs through July 31.
Prospective hunters can apply as individuals or with a group of up to four individuals. This year’s schedule will include a “youth-only” hunt during the youth deer gun season. While the hunts are open to the public, GRDA also asks that residents of its municipal customer, public power communities upload a copy of a utility bill as proof of residence for consideration for special opening day hunts. The controlled hunts for deer and waterfowl will begin this fall.
It's Race Time on Grand Lake!
July 7 & 8 is the date to remember for the Southern Drag Boat Association Wolf Creek Nationals Drag Boat Races.
Mark your calendars for June 29th-July 1st as Thunder on Wolf Creek returns to Grove and Grand Lake. This is the 6th year for the event at the beautiful Wolf Creek Park. Test runs will be on Friday with the racing taking place Saturday and Sunday from noon till 5:00.
Did You Know?
True or False: Persons operating a paddleboard or kayak on our lakes must have a life jacket with them, but are not required to wear them.
Answer: False - GRDA Regulations require that "Persons using paddleboards, canoes or kayaks on the waters of GRDA MUST wear a life jacket at all times. Paddleboards, canoes and kayaks shall not be used between the hours of one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks shall stay within one-hundred fifty (150) feet of the shoreline unless in a no wake cove, hollow or creek."
Lake Rules
Updates on the Web
Did you not receive our latest GRDA Update? Do you have a friend that wants to see our Updates? You can now go to our website at GRDA.com to view the latest edition of GRDA Police Updates. Go to the Lakes/River tab, open the GRDA Police tab and click on the GRDA Police Update for the latest version of our email release.
Boating Tips From the GLSPS
Part of the fun of operating a PWC is jumping wakes. However, cutting too close to the sterns of other boats to jump their wakes is dangerous. Stay at least 100 feet behind the boat. This should give you sufficient room to observe traffic conditions in all directions, and remember that the law states that you must remain at least 50 feet away from another moving vessel. Make sure that your speed doesn’t exceed your skill level. Never drink alcohol and ride. PWC’s require good balance, clear thinking and quick decisions. Even fatigue can affect your ability to be a safe rider. Know the weight limit of your PWC when carrying passengers because the heavier the load, the harder it is to maneuver, and make sure your life jackets are stress tested for the speed of your PWC. Remember a PWC is considered a boat and all boating rules do apply to it, but there is a limitation as to the time of day when they can be used. The GRDA rules prohibit riding from sunset to sunrise.
Interested in becoming more confident in your boating skills? Boat Smart from the start and take a course from America’s Boating Club, the United States Power Squadrons. For local information visit our website at: usps.org/grandlake or on Face Book at GLSPS.
NAV TIME
A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips
That All Boat Operators Should Know
Preventing Theft
Defend against theft of your vessel and equipment.
Store your vessel so that it is not easily accessed.
- Store your vessel and trailer in a locked garage or storage area.
- Park another vehicle in front of the trailer, or lock the trailer to a fixed object in a well-lighted area.
- Secure the vessel and trailer to a fixed object with a good quality chain and lock. If moored, secure the vessel to the dock with a steel cable and lock.
- Remove a trailer wheel if parked for an extended time.
- Purchase a quality trailer hitch lock and use it.
Chain and lock the motor and fuel tanks to the vessel.
Mark or engrave all equipment with an identifier such as your driver’s license number.
Photograph or videotape the interior and exterior of your vessel, showing all installed equipment and additional gear and equipment. Make a complete inventory of your equipment, vessel, and trailer.
Remove expensive electronics or other valuables if the vessel is left unattended.
Cover your vessel and always remove the keys.
Title and register your vessel.
Kyle Williams Boating Safety Class
The Final Boating Safety Class of the Season is Saturday. Sign up Now!
By the Book
The Administrative Regulations of GRDA describe the organizations, operations, and procedures for the Grand River Dam Authority with respect to its administration, rulemaking, and other activities and are intended to supplement and interpret pertinent provisions of state statutes.
The following information are excerpts of the GRDA Administrative Regulations Title 300 Chapter 35 that are provided in an effort to educate the public about what regulations are enforced on GRDA waterways and properties. Many of these regulations have changed effective September 11, 2017. All GRDA regulations are available for review at GRDA.com.