October 23 GRDA Weekly Update
Beverage Regulations at the Lakes & Rivers
With the abolishment of low-point beers in Oklahoma effective October 1st, one might anticipate that there will be many more problems associated with drunk driving and boating incidents. However, the fact is that most popular brand beers will only have a 3.3 to 3.4 percentage of alcohol by volume, not much greater than the previous rate of 3.2%. Granted, there will be exceptions, but GRDA Police are not anticipating many changes or effects to recreational activities on our lakes and rivers as a result of these new laws going into effect.
As a result of the passage of State Question 792 last year that recently went into effect, there has been some interest as to whether any changes will be implemented to the GRDA regulations regarding the use of alcoholic beverages on GRDA lakes and rivers. While we continue to monitor the effects of these changes, we do not anticipate making any changes to the GRDA Regulations about drinking adult beverages on the lakes. GRDA officials will continue to allow the legal consumption of beer (below 8.99% abv) and wine (below 15% abv) on our lakes and rivers. However, the use of distilled spirits while on a boat, raft, canoe, ATV, UTV, off-road vehicle, etc. will continue to be a violation and a citable offense. State law will continue to restrict the consumption of distilled spirits in public. As a result of the recent changes in state law, we do plan to update printed materials distributed to the public regarding the regulations in the future.
The rules pertaining to the use of alcoholic beverages at the Scenic Rivers will remain unchanged to reflect current state laws. While beer and wine are fine, the possession of any beverage defined as “Spirits” in the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act is prohibited on the Scenic Rivers and in public access areas at all times. Wine and beer in the original, non-glass packaging may be possessed by persons 21 years of age or older while floating on the scenic rivers and in the Stunkard, Peavine, Edmondson, New Combs Bridge, No Head and Echota public access areas.
While the use of beer and wine are fine on GRDA waters, the regulations prohibiting the use of any beverages that contain alcohol in the off-road areas below the Pensacola and Kerr Dams will remain in effect. Alcoholic beverages including beer, wine and distilled spirits are prohibited from GRDA properties in which off-road activities occur.
GRDA Police will continue to aggressively enforce our existing laws designed to protect the public. If you are found to be boating under the influence, you will be arrested. If you are found to be driving an ATV, UTV or off-road vehicle with an open container of alcohol on state property, you will be cited, and if you are found to be driving under the influence, you will go to jail. If we determine you are intoxicated and being disorderly, there is a good chance you will spend some time in jail.
Life Jackets Save Lives
Dock Remains Closed
Work continues to progress on the shoreline stabilization project near the Ecosystems and Education Center. The Grand River Dam Authority is working on the shoreline near the courtesy dock located on Grand Lake, just behind the center in Langley, which is closed temporarily. Because of the presence of heavy equipment in the area, it is necessary to close the dock and the access path to allow the work to proceed safely. GRDA anticipates the project will be completed in late November.
9 pm Routine
Did You Know?
True or False: The nighttime speed limit on GRDA lakes is 35 mph.
Answer: False. GRDA regulations require that boaters operate vessels at a speed of no more than 25 mph from one-half hour after sunset till one-half hour before sunrise.
Safety Education Programs
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
Towards the end of the boating season, delaying refueling until closer to the time of winterizing your boat will give more room for fresh fuel and reduce the aging process of fuel in your tanks. Don’t forget to add a fuel stabilizer to reduce problems caused by condensation of water, fuel evaporation and fungus (in diesel engines). Preventing a problem is easier and less expensive.
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
Other PWC Considerations
Remember that everyone on board a PWC must wear a life jacket (PFD). Keep hands, feet, loose clothing, and hair away from the pump intake area. Before cleaning debris away from the pump intake, be sure to shut off the engine. Keep everyone clear of the steering nozzle unless the PWC is shut off. The water jet can cause severe injuries. Frequently inspect your PWC’s electrical systems (e.g., starter and engine gauge connections) to ensure there is no potential for electrical spark. Gas fumes could collect in the engine compartment, and an explosion could occur. After fueling, sniff the engine compartment for any evidence of gas fumes. Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended capacity for your PWC. Know your limits, and ride according to your abilities.
Blue Star Moms
There is no better way to support our troops than through the local chapter of the Blue Star Moms. In an effort to provide a few creature comforts and a reminder of "home" to our troops from Mayes, Delaware and Craig counties deployed outside the United States, our local Blue Star Moms chapter sends care packages to our troops on a regular basis. But this can be a costly expense, considering the postage for one package alone is $18.00, not including the cost of the contents.
In order to keep this important cause moving forward, the local chapter of the Blue Star Moms will be holding a fundraiser that includes a live and silent auction on Sunday, November 11th at 12 PM located at the Pryor American Legion, 1105 W. Graham Avenue in Pryor. An Indian Taco Dinner will be served for only $6 for adults and $4 for children, with the auction beginning at 12:45.
In order to cover the expense of mailing at least 50 care-packages per month, the Blue Star Moms are looking for businesses and organizations that are willing to donate items or gift certificates that can be included in the auctions. If you are interested in supporting our troops through a donation, please call Pam Buffington at 918-645-5489. Cash donations can be mailed to Blue Star Mothers, PO Box 1597, Pryor, Ok 74362.
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Shangri-La Fall Festival
Night Against Crime
If you are looking for a fun Halloween adventure for the family, you may be interested in the Night Out Against Crimeevent in Broken Arrow. The Rose District in downtown Broken Arrow will be filled with thousands of kids trick or treating this Saturday, October 27th from 6 till 8 PM. Area businesses, community service organizations and emergency response agencies take over the Rose District to ensure a free, safe and fun Halloween festival for the kids to include games, treats, costume contests and much more. Come visit with GRDA Police and get your Halloween treats on Saturday in Broken Arrow!
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
October 26-28: Crawl-O-Ween, Pensacola Dam Off-Road area
October 27: Shangri-La Fall Festival, Monkey Island
2018 Fishing Tournaments
