August 29 GRDA Weekly Report
Happy Labor Day
Boat Safe Boat Smart Boat Sober
Boats gather on the waters of Grand Lake on a 2018 summer day. Large crowds are expected during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. If you are headed to Grand Lake, Lake Hudson or the Illinois River, GRDA reminds you to boat safe, smart and sober.
GRDA Police Offer Safe Boating and Floating Tips
for Labor Day Weekend
Heading to the lake or the river for the long Labor Day weekend? If so, the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department wants to remind you of some important information that can help promote a safe time on the water.
Whether you are visiting GRDA’s Grand Lake, Lake Hudson or the scenic Illinois River, it is important to remember that enjoyable outings always start with boating (and floating) safe, smart and sober.
“Labor Day weekend is always an active time on the lakes and river and we encourage the public to come out and have a great time,” said GRDA Vice President of Corporate Communications Justin Alberty. “However, that great time always starts with wearing your life jacket and using common sense on the water.”
GRDA has shared the following “Dos and DON’Ts” often, but as you head to the water this weekend, please keep these in mind:
· DO wear a life jacket. They float, you don’t. However, they only work if you wear them. Remember, if you are floating the river, children 13 years of age and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times. On the lake, children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket on vessels under 26 feet long. However, we encourage everyone to wear a life jacket at all times.
· DON’T DRINK AND BOAT. Alcohol use continues to be the single leading factor contributing to boating accidents.
· DO know the water and environment you will be boating or floating on.
· DO keep a good lookout while underway.
· DO shut your engines off when people are in the water near your boat.
· DO observe the nautical “rules of the road.”
· DO check the weather forecast before getting underway.
· DO keep a balanced load and trim boat.
· DON’T overload your boat.
· DON’T ride on the gunwale, bow, seat backs or any place that is not designated for sitting.
· DON’T swim or boat alone. Stay within sight of companions.
· Floating the river? DO let the commercial float operator know if you or anyone in your party are a first-time or novice floater(s). They may be able to pair you with an experienced paddler/floater or float you in a raft where there is a lesser chance for capsizing;
· DON’T dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, stream banks and trees.
· DO respect the weather and the water. If you are tired while floating, take a break on the bank or on a gravel bar to rest.
For those planning on hitting the water on a personal watercraft (PWC), the GRDA Police also offers these important safety tips:
· Don’t ride tired: PWC operation requires a real sense of balance. Tired operators do not have as much balance, which means less controlled operation.
· Watch the weight: Don’t carry more passengers or weight than is recommended in your PWC’s owner manual. The heavier the load, the harder it is to handle and turn your PWC.
· Watch out for others: Because lake traffic changes constantly, riders have to be very aware of their surroundings at all times.
· Know what the craft is capable of: Just because you have ridden a PWC before, don’t assume they are all the same. For the most part, they are very similar, but riders must be educated about the specifics of the craft they are operating.
· Know where you are: It is very important to know your location on the water. Are you near hazards such as rocks, buoys or sandbars? Are you in a place that is popular with skiers? Even though PWCs are designed to operate in shallow waters, it is important to remember that shallow water can become no water in a hurry. Avoid such areas.
· Never drink and ride: PWC operation requires clear thinking, quick decisions, the ability to focus, depth perception, ability to judge speed and distance and ability to track moving objects. Alcohol impairs all these abilities while also affecting balance. Oftentimes, PWC injuries occur when people fall into the water and are too inebriated to climb back on board.
· Watch your speed: Many PWC accidents are a result of excessive speed. PWC operators must match their speed to their skills. Don’t be overmatched by traveling too fast.
For more information about the GRDA Police Department or how an officer can assist you, contact the department at (918) 256-0911. Finally, if you need assistance from your boat, the GRDA Police Department encourages you to call 911. If you do not have a cell phone available, you can radio the GRDA Police on Marine Band 16.
Whether you are coming to the lake, to the river, to the dam or maybe to all three, GRDA encourages you to keep these tips in mind as you enjoy the Labor Day weekend.
River Safety
What You Need to Bring & Wear for
River Safety
If you plan on enjoying the Illinois River for the holiday weekend, it is important to know what you can or shouldn’t bring in order to make your float trip on the Scenic Rivers one to remember. If you follow these few simple steps, you will have a great time and make memories that will last a lifetime.
· LIFE JACKETS:
The float operator’s will provide you with a life jacket to wear, as you are required to have one with you. We encourage you to bring your own so you can ensure it is properly fitted and comfortable to wear, if you have one. Before you take to the waters, make sure that the life jacket fits you correctly and that you are familiar with its use before you begin your trip.
· SHOES:
Bring a good pair of water shoes or old tennis shoes. If you wear flip flops, chances are you will probably lose at least one, if not both down the river. Good water shoes will keep your feet protected from the sharp rocks and edges you may encounter along the way.
· CLOTHING:
Appropriate hot weather clothing includes shorts and or swimsuit. Showers or thunder storms could develop anytime and a poncho or light rain wear is always a good idea. On the other hand, it is extremely easy to get a sunburn on the river, even on cloudy, cool days, so don’t forget your sunscreen. There is nothing worse than a sunburn that could have been prevented. Make sure you pack plenty of waterproof sunscreen and a hat. Being on the water will intensify your exposure to the sun, even on an overcast day. When the weather is cool, wear light layers. Always bring a dry change of clothing and shoes to change into following your trip. Any extra clothing taken on your trip should be packed into water-proof bags or containers.
· DRY BAG/BOX:
Don’t forget your dry bag or box. These are great to store all those valuable things you don’t want to get wet such as phones and cameras, and of course your dry clothes. Cameras should be taken on your river trip only if you can keep them in waterproof containers or if they are waterproof or underwater cameras. Garbage bags may be used, but they should be doubled. Water tight buckets with lids and coolers also work well.
· COOLER:
Bring plenty of drinking water and soft drinks or juices to keep yourself hydrated. Never bring glass containers on the river, it is prohibited by Oklahoma law. Although low-point alcoholic beverages are permitted in moderate amounts for those of legal drinking age, alcoholic beverages are not allowed and possession of alcoholic beverages can result in a citation. The fact is that alcoholic beverages are not recommended for your own safety. Bring a good, secure cooler that isn’t going to leak for storing all your beverages and food. Remember NO Styrofoam of any kind is allowed on the Illinois River. Lunch and or snacks should be placed in small coolers to keep them dry. These coolers should have attached lids. Avoid foods that need to be cooked.
· LITTER AND VALUABLES:
Protect your valuables by leaving them at home. Lock any valuables you did bring in your car and out of sight, or leave them with the float operator. If you need to take wallets and other valuables on the river, they should be kept in waterproof bags and all containers with valuables should be tied into your canoe or raft. Also tied into your canoe or raft should be the litter bags that are provided for you by the float operator or the GRDA. That way, should you capsize the litter will remain in your bag instead of in the river.
· FIRST AID: To be on the safe side pack a first aid kit.
· Eyeglasses should be worn with floating eyeglass cords or straps.
Make sure your car keys are in a secure and safe place.
Illinois River
Cherokee Park Ramp Closed
The public boat ramp at the Cherokee State Park at Pensacola Dam was closed to use last week after several complaints were received about a large sink hole that was on the ramp about 15 feet into the lake. The hole measures 6 feet wide and is 4 feet deep. The State Parks Department closed the ramp in the interest of public safety till repairs could be made.
Cherokee Park Ramp Closed
The public boat ramp at the Cherokee State Park at Pensacola Dam was closed to use last week after several complaints were received about a large sink hole that was on the ramp about 15 feet into the lake. The hole measures 6 feet wide and is 4 feet deep. The State Parks Department closed the ramp in the interest of public safety till repairs could be made.
Did You Know?
While boaters are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board for every person on their boat, boating safety advocates recommend that everyone on board wears a life jacket at all times while boating. Accidents on the water happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. Drowning is the reported cause of death in 80 percent of all boating fatalities – and 83 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing a life jacket.
Adobt-The-Shoreline
Safety Education Programs
Lake Rules
Never Boat Under The Influence
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
High-speed maneuvering of the boat should be done by an experienced driver. Constant alertness, a safe attitude and quick responses are requirements. One hand on the steering wheel and one on the throttle is necessary at all times. Hitting a large wake at higher speeds can cause loss of steering control, damage to the power train or hull along with possible injury to the occupants.
In a high speed tight turn the boat will roll and also slip sideways. If the boat has a chine and hits a wave sideways, it could trip over its chine or throw someone overboard.
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.
Seamanship Courses presented by Grand Lake Power Squadron
Are you a new boat owner?
Are you an older boat owner?
Do you have friends or relatives that own a boat?
Whatever the situation, if you are in need of learning safe boating principles and Oklahoma/GRDA Boating Requirements, the Grand Lake Power Squadron has THE course for you! A course that, once completed, may get you up to a 10% reduction in your boat insurance premiums.
The course is SEAMANSHIP and two sessions are scheduled for the following class dates: first session on 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, and 27 September 2018 and the second session on 22, 25, 29 Oct, 1, 5, and 8 Nov 2018. The course will be taught on those dates at the Grove Visitors Center on Hwy 59 at 6:00 PM. The Seamanship course presents material applicable to both power and sail, covering such topics as the construction and functioning of a boat, the skipper’s responsibilities, preparing the boat for use, handling and maneuvering a vessel under various conditions in close quarters and on the open water, rules of the road, anchoring, emergencies, and marlinespike/basic knots. This course includes classroom instruction and hands-on on-the-water training where the students are shown how to handle a boat in tight situations, emergency maneuvers, as well as docking/undocking practice and other hands-on maneuvering techniques.
Each student will receive a text book, a copy of the One Minute Guide to the Nautical Rules of the Road by Charlie Wing, learning materials, personalized On-the-Water Training, and the use of other training aids provided by the instructors. All of this for only $64.00 per student (payable at the first class).
Sign-up now while there are still seats open by calling/e-mailing Roger Zinn at (918) 676-3254 / rogerzinn601@yahoo.com.
NAV TIME
A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips
That All Boat Operators Should Know
Weather Emergencies
Weather can change very rapidly and create unexpected situations for boat operators. Even meteorologists have trouble predicting rapid weather changes. You should always monitor weather developments. One way is to tune a VHF radio to the frequencies listed below or keep a smart phone with you that has weather alerts.
What To Do If Caught in Severe Weather:
Prepare the boat to handle severe weather.
- Slow down, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
- Close all hatches, windows, and doors to reduce the chance of swamping.
- Stow any unnecessary gear.
- Turn on your boat’s navigation lights. If there is fog, sound your fog horn.
- Keep bilges free of water. Be prepared to remove water by bailing.
- If there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. Stay as clear of metal objects as possible.
Prepare your passengers for severe weather.
- Have everyone put on a USCG–approved life jacket (PFD). If passengers are already wearing their PFDs, make sure they are secured properly.
- Have your passengers sit on the vessel floor close to the centerline for their safety and to make the boat more stable.
Decide whether to go to shore or ride out the storm.
- If possible, head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. If already caught in a storm, it may be best to ride it out in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves.
- Head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. PWCs should head directly into the waves.
- If the engine stops, drop a “sea anchor” on a line off the bow to keep the bow headed into the wind and reduce drifting while you ride out the storm. In an emergency, a bucket will work as a sea anchor.
- If the sea anchor is not sufficient, anchor using your conventional anchor to prevent your boat from drifting into dangerous areas.
National Weather Service Telephone Numbers
Oklahoma City Office: 405-360-5928—for western and south central areas of Oklahoma
Tulsa Office: 918-838-7838—for eastern and southeastern areas of Oklahoma
Amarillo, TX Office: 806-335-1121—for Oklahoma panhandle counties
VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports
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