GRDA 4th of July Update

June 29, 2017

Share by Email

All Hands on Deck!

While the weather and high waters we have endured at the beginning of the summer season has resulted in a slow start for many, that is about to change. The July 4th Holiday weekend is upon us, and we anticipate that based on current lake and river conditions, we will see a busy holiday period. Historically, the Independence Day Holiday results in an explosion of population at the lakes and rivers that will rival that of the largest cities in the state. History has also proven this can be the deadliest time of year for our waters.

Rest assured that GRDA Police have mobilized all resources available to maintain a safe and pleasant holiday environment for all. With the busiest period for the boating and floating season upon us, we will have dozens of officers deployed to our lakes and the Scenic Rivers Operations to maintain law & order. We have a dozen patrol and rescue boats that will be in round-the-clock operation at Grand and Hudson Lakes. Officers operating all-terrain vehicles will be patrolling the popular off-road areas below the dams, Scenic Rivers officers will be assigned in vehicles, jet powered kayaks and boats on the Illinois River, all supported by plain-clothes officers, ground units, our Air Support Unit, as well as other law enforcement agencies.

In an effort to reduce the incidents of tragedies occurring on our waters, GRDA Police will be invoking a "Zero Tolerance" policy for violations during the busy holiday period. We do this for one reason, to save lives! We encourage everyone to be responsible this weekend, not only to avoid a hefty fine or potential jail time for violations observed, but to reduce your risk of being involved in a life-changing, or life-ending tragedy. In order to ensure you and your family have a safe and happy holiday, we offer the following advice:

Know the Laws and Regulations. All too often we hear "I didn't know" from violators when they are caught. Well, the adage Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse certainly applies. Whether you are operating a boat, ATV, raft, kayak or canoe, it carries a certain responsibility that you will know how to do so responsibly and lawfully. Ignorance is an excuse, not a defense. Regulations that apply to GRDA waters can be viewed at our website at GRDA.com.
Obey the Laws and Regulations. Too many people choose to ignore the laws in the hope they won't get caught, all in the interest of "having a good time". Remember that your risk of being caught by authorities is greater now than any other time of the year! The laws and regulations are there for one reason, to SAVE LIVES! Even if we don't catch you, ask yourself if it is worth the risk of putting the lives of you and your loved ones in jeopardy?
Use your Life Jackets. The vast majority of deaths that occur on our waters result from drowning, yet your risk of drowning is greatly diminished when wearing a personal floatation device. If you are on a moving boat, raft, kayak or canoe, you should always be wearing a life jacket. Thanks to current technology, the excuse that life jackets are "too bulky, heavy and uncomfortable" no longer applies. While the law mandates that children under 13 years of age must be wearing a life jacket while on a moving vessel, we encourage everybody to do so, because like a seat belt, your life jacket can save your life in the split second in which a tragedy occurs. Even apparent low-risk water activities can take a life. All too often we investigate drownings involving adults and children that were simply swimming or wading in what was believed to be shallow water, near a dock or playing close to shore. You never know what hazards are present in the water, so protect yourself and your children anytime they are near the water!
Alcohol & Water Don't Mix. Very few tragedies occur on our waters where alcohol was not a factor. When you are operating a vessel, you should be the "designated driver" for the safety of everyone. Not only will alcohol effect your judgment, but it will slow your reaction. Combined with dehydration, too much sun, exhaustion and the effects of being on the water for an extended period of time, and you have a recipe for disaster. Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober!
Prep your Vessel. Check your boat, raft, canoe or other vessel before you launch. The lack of fuel, dead battery or inoperable navigation lights can result in a bad time on the water. Have your boat serviced and safety inspected before you get near the water. Ensure there are properly fitted life jackets on board for everyone on the vessel, and they must be Readily Accessible (not stowed in a compartment) while you are on the water. Failure to adhere to this advice can not only result in a costly citation, but your vessel will also be removed from our waters till your equipment is in compliance.
Watch the Weather. We all know how quickly Oklahoma weather can turn this time of year. Before you launch, check the forecast and be prepared to take action should things turn bad. Have a radio, smartphone or other electronic device with you on the water that can notify you of potential inclement weather. Don't wait till the dark clouds are overhead before you head for safety, because by then, it may be too late!
Be Courteous. When large numbers of people gather together, there is always the potential for conflicts, so be respectful of the rights and enjoyment of others. Some people believe they can come to the lake and behave as they wish, because "no rules apply". That is NOT the case. That is why we are here to enforce the rules of society, so be respectful to others and their property. Loud music, excessive drinking, loud, obnoxious behavior, creating wakes damaging the property of others, excessive lights at night are all actions that can result in police intervention, so keep your behavior polite and courteous.

GRDA Police will be out in force this holiday to fulfill our mission of keeping our waters safe. We are there to provide any assistance you need. Our Emergency Dispatch Center will be staffed and ready to respond to your calls for help. For an EMERGENCY call 911. Other assistance can be provided by calling the non-emergency number at 918-256-0911.

BGA Levels Improving at Horse Creek

The Grand River Dam Authority is reporting that the most recent results from water sample testing in Grand Lake has shown a significant decrease in levels of blue green algae (BGA) toxins.

Those results are from water samples gathered Friday morning (June 23) from the Fly Creek and Highway 85A bridge areas of the lake. Both areas are currently under a BGA advisory. According to the GRDA Ecosystems Management Department, the results demonstrate an improvement in the BGA outbreak, as conditions continue to improve. However, at this time, the advisories in place for these areas of the lake remain in place.

We’re very encouraged by what we have seen in the most recent test results. We hope we will be able to lift the advisories soon, but for the time being we do ask the public to continue to use caution in these areas of the lake.

All other areas of Grand Lake are free of any advisories and the public is encouraged to come and enjoy the lake. GRDA will also continue its water sampling for as long as conditions warrant.

Holiday Lake Rules in Effect

A reminder to all boaters that special holiday lake rules will be in effect on July 3rd for the Duck Creek arm of Grand Lake. Special Event buoys will be in effect mandating a NO WAKE restriction for ALL vessels in the Duck Creek area for the entire 24 hour period on July 3rd. Vessel operators are reminded to obey all navigation markers, buoys and directions from GRDA Police while navigating our waters over the holiday period.

Duck Creek Rules

Woodard Hollow Rules

Did You Know?

Operator Inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factors in boat crashes.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning on Your Boat

Gasoline-powered engines on boats, including onboard generators, produce carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can poison or kill someone who breathes too much of it.

Larger boats, such as houseboats, sometimes have generators that vent toward the rear of the boat. This venting poses a danger of CO poisoning to people on the rear swim deck or water platform. On larger boats CO builds up above the water near the water platform. CO that builds up in the air space beneath the stern deck or on and near the swim deck can kill someone in seconds.

Traveling at slow speeds or idling in the water can cause CO to build up in a boat’s cabin, cockpit, bridge, and aft deck, or in an open area. Wind from the aft section of the boat can increase this buildup of CO. Back drafting can cause CO to build up inside the cabin, cockpit, and bridge when a boat is operated at a high bow angle, is improperly or heavily loaded, or has an opening that draws in exhaust.

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause death. CO poisoning can also cause you to pass out and fall into the water and drown. A person who is sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms.

To prevent CO poisoning on boats, install and maintain a working CO detector listed by Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) as appropriate for marine use inside the boat to alert people when dangerous levels of CO have built up inside the boat cabin.

Properly install and maintain all fuel-burning engines and appliances.
Educate all passengers about the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning.
Swim and play away from areas where engines vent their exhaust, including near or under the swim platform on the stern of the boat.
Watch children closely when they play on rear swim decks or water platforms.
Never block exhaust outlets. Blocking outlets can cause CO to build up in the cabin and cockpit areas–even when hatches, windows, portholes, and doors are closed.
Dock, beach, or anchor at least 20 feet away from the nearest boat that is running a generator or engine. Exhaust from a nearby vessel can send CO into the cabin and cockpit of a boat.

If you think a person on your boat has CO poisoning move him or her to fresh air right away and contact the nearest emergency services at 911.

FERC Variance Requested

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is submitting a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which proposes a temporary variance to rule curve requirements for Grand Lake elevations for the period August 15 through October 31, 2017. If approved by FERC, GRDA would not be required to lower the elevation of Grand Lake from 744 feet to 741 feet during that period.

As in prior years, GRDA proposes to institute a slightly modified rule curve for the lake’s elevation during this time period to protect safety and property during the peak recreation season of 2017, including Labor Day weekend. The variance request is the same as those granted by FERC in 2015 and 2016.

GRDA intends to file the variance request with FERC on July 10, 2017. To help facilitate this filing date, GRDA requests written comments on this proposal by July 7, 2017. The public can review the variance request on GRDA’s website, grda.com.

Please send your comments via email to Teresa Hicks at thicks@grda.com.

Comments can also be sent via U.S. Mail to:

Attention: Teresa Hicks
PO Box 409
226 West Dwain Willis Avenue
Vinita OK 74301.

All comments received by GRDA on this proposal by July 10 will be fully considered and made a part of the record of consultation included in the FERC filing.

All questions related to this draft 2017 rule curve variance request should be directed to Nathan Reese at 918-530-8247 or nreese@grda.com.