Boating tips for your fall lake outing

Everyone knows the Grand River Dam Authority lakes area is a great place to visit in the summer months. When the Oklahoma weather heats up, the waters of Grand and Hudson lakes can help to keep you cool as they draw thousands and thousands of visitors each summer. However, there are many area lake enthusiasts that will tell you that the cooler seasons are also a terrific time for boating, as the colorful foliage and fall temperatures can make for a beautiful boating backdrop.

If your seasonal plans include a boat ride on Grand or Hudson, your friends at GRDA would like to revisit a few safety tips for your upcoming lake visits. Keep these in mind when you prepare for fall boating:

• First, make sure your boat’s navigational lights are working properly. Remember, it gets darker sooner this time of year and even if you do not plan to be on the water after dark, you should still be prepared for low light conditions. It is also helpful to carry waterproof flashlights in your boat; they may come in handy when loading and unloading passengers.
• In all seasons, it is important to know the area where you will be boating. However, the shorter fall days can make navigating more difficult. Being familiar with your surroundings will promote a more enjoyable, safer trip.
• You should expect to see less traffic than in the summer months. That is why it is important to carry along a whistle or a cell phone in case of an emergency. There are just fewer boats on the water to flag down for help. 

GRDA encourages you to enjoy the waters of Grand and Hudson lakes in all seasons but also keep these safety tips in mind. As always, remember to boat safe, smart, and sober. Have a great time out there!

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power electric utility; fully funded by revenues from electric and water sales instead of taxes. Each day, GRDA strives to be an “Oklahoma agency of excellence” by focusing on the 5 E’s: electricity, economic development, environmental stewardship, employees, and efficiency. 

# # #