Life Jackets Should be Part of Your New Year’s Resolutions
The importance of wearing a life jacket while on our waterways was sadly reflected in the boating tragedies of 2017. A majority of the recreational boating fatalities were individuals who drowned and were not wearing a life jacket — the most important piece of safety gear one can wear whether on a boat, personal watercraft or paddlecraft. It’s a number that’s echoed nationally, as the U.S. Coast Guard reported that 83 percent of drowning victims in 2016 were not wearing a life jacket. The Coast Guard also names alcohol as a leading contributing factor in fatal boating crashes. As you make your New Year’s resolutions, add boating safety to the list. Designate a sober operator, wear a life jacket and ensure that others on your boat do so as well. Together we can prevent many boating tragedies and keep Oklahoma waterways safe for everyone.
GRDA Police have the mission of keeping the public safe by patrolling our lakes and rivers while educating people on best practices for boating safety and operation. Stringent enforcement efforts combined with public education initiatives allow officers to make contact with watercraft users in our region to share the important messages about sober boating, while helping to stop unsafe behaviors.
The department’s Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education courses are provided free to the public with the goal of reaching as many Oklahoman’s as possible. The classes include instruction on the basic skills required to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, navigational rules, legal requirements and boating emergencies.
Our courses are beneficial for both those new to boating and veterans of the waterways. The classes are always free, and the investment of your time will pay off the next time a question or unexpected issue comes up when you’re on the water.
GRDA Police also wants to remind the public that life jackets must be worn by children 12 and younger anytime they are onboard a boat or watercraft, and that a properly fitting life jacket must be available for all passengers. For boaters who do not have enough or the right size of life jackets for everyone going out on the water, the Grand Lake Sail and Power Squadron provides life jacket loaner stations at several areas around Grand Lake for your use. Whether boaters need to borrow a life jacket or (better yet) come prepared with their own safety gear, taking the step of wearing a life jacket can help prevent a tragedy.
Road Conditions Available Online
Trying to navigate our roads and highways this time of year can be treacherous, especially if you don't know what condition they are in. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation website can provide the latest details on what driving conditions are like before you hit the road. The website can be found at
Did You Know?
True or False: Boats that are 16 feet and over must carry one USCG approved throwable Lifejacket (Type IV).
Answer: True. Additionally, federal safe boating requirements maintain that all watercraft must contain at least one USCG approved wearable Lifejacket (Types I-III) for every person on board, and it's recommended to have a few extras on hand as well.
Icy Dangers
It's not unusual to see our lakes, rivers and ponds covered with ice this time of year, which can be a real temptation to many who venture out on the ice for fun. But the consistent sub-freezing temperatures needed to make the ice thick enough to support our weight rarely occurs in Oklahoma. The ice must be at least four inches thick to make it safe enough to walk on. GRDA Police regularly respond to calls of kids and adults playing on the ice this time of year, which can quickly turn into a tragedy. Please, don't take the risk and educate your children about the dangers of playing on the ice!
Thanks to YOU!
Because of your generosity, more that 130 coats, hats and gloves were given to DHS for this terrific cause.
That's 130 children that will stay warm this winter!
Water Safety Programs Continued for 2018
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Water Safety Programs Continued for 2018
In an effort to protect the users of our waterways, the GRDA Police are committed to reducing the incidents of drowning, especially among our most vulnerable citizens, our children.
From 2005-2014, there were an average of3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day. An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents. About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.
As a public service to Oklahoma communities, GRDA Police offer FREE water safety presentations for children of all ages. Uniformed officers will come to your school to provide the presentations, we offer a flexible format and can speak to individual classes or an entire school assembly. The length of the safety presentations can be as short as 20 minutes or up to 50 minutes, with time allowed for questions and answers.
We speak to your children about a number of topics:
- Water safety tips
- Hazards in the water
- Water conditions to avoid
- Proper fitting and use of life jackets
- What to do in case of drowning
For more information contact:
Ed Ferguson
Community Relations Officer, GRDA Police
918-256-0890 Email: ed.ferguson@grda.com
Get Connected
Boating Tips From the GLSPS
Delamination is the separation of the layers of fiberglass that make up the topsides, deck, or hull of most boats. A small crack caused perhaps by a sharp blow can start this process by allowing water to enter. Delaminating can be halted by drilling a series of small holes in the delaminated area and injecting resin into the void area, thereby filling and re-bonding the area. Using a trained fiberglass specialist is probably best for this problem.
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.
ATS Program Rolls Out
After months of planning, GRDA is ready to implement the Adopt the Shoreline program on Grand Lake. Shoreline Management Officer Scott Horton (right) recently met with the program Zone Coordinators to discuss details of the program. Anyone interested in volunteering for the program can go to the website at grda.com/adopt-the-shoreline.
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.
BOATING SAFETY RULES
300:35-5-3. Flotation device required
All vessels shall carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device (life preserver) for each person on board. The operator of a vessel less than twenty-six (26) feet in length, while under way, shall require each passenger twelve (12) years of age or younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device. Any person operating or manipulating, or who is a passenger on a personal watercraft, water skis, a sailboard, surfboard, wakeboard, parasail, paddleboard, kayak, or a similar device shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device.
300:35-5-4. Sitting and standing in vessel
No person shall sit or ride on the sides of a vessel, the back of a vessel, a covered bow or the top of any back seat of a vessel, or stand in a vessel while under way at any speed greater than idle or trolling speed; unless, the vessel is specifically designed for such use.
300:35-5-5. Required equipment
(a) Each vessel which is less than twenty-six (26) feet in length, other than a personal watercraft, shall be equipped with a paddle or set of oars, anchor, bailing device and fire extinguisher. All other vessels shall be equipped in accordance with Oklahoma state law.
(b) All vessels must be equipped with proper and working navigations and anchoring lights as provided by law.
Do you have a Special Event Planned?
PLEASE let us know about your lake or river events so we can provide the resources you may need to make it a positive experience!
2018 Special Events Schedule
January 26-27: OK RZR Riders Disney Invasion, Pensacola Dam Off-Road area
2018 Fishing Tournaments
Numbers to Call:
GRDA Police Dispatch 918-256-0911
GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center 918-782-4726
GRDA Lake Permits 918-256-0852
E-mail: lakepermits@grda.com
GRDA Pensacola Dam Tours & Facility Information 918-256-0899