GRDA Update

New Navigation Rules Pending for Courthouse Hollow

GRDA held a public hearing on November 4^th regarding navigational changes in the Courthouse Hollow area of Grand lake.  The hearing was held as a result of complaints received from property owners in the area that voiced concerns over increased boat traffic in the cove and speeds of vessels that were creating problems with dock damage, shoreline erosion and safety concerns.  As a result, GRDA Police have recommended the adoption of new navigation rules for Courthouse Hollow that would restrict speeds for larger vessels in the cove.  The new rules were accepted by the GRDA Board of Directors on November 9^th and will apply to vessels larger than 8.6 feet wide and greater than 30 feet long, which would be required to operate at idle speed producing no wake beginning at the mouth of the cove into Courthouse Hollow.  Once approved at the state level, the new rules will likely go into effect next summer.  The GRDA plans to mark the channel into Courthouse Hollow at the mouth of the cove with the large red navigation buoys, that apply to large vessels to restrict the boats to No Wake speed.  Similar rules have been adopted for other large coves on Grand lake including Duck Creek and Woodard Hollow. 

Hunters and Anglers Urged to Wear a Life Jacket: You Never Know When You May Need It

Fall hunting season is well underway and the winter season is just around the corner. More hunters and anglers are on the water, putting themselves in potential danger if they don't use common sense precautions. The National Safe Boating Council, a lead organization of the North American Safe Boating Campaign, encourages hunters and anglers to be responsible at all times while on the water. While hunters may not think of themselves as boaters, if they are using boats, canoes and kayaks it's important they have the right gear for being on the water -- and that includes a life jacket. Life jackets are designed for a boater's recreational water activity -- from inflatable belt-packs for anglers to U.S. Coast Guard-approved float coats for hunters. Inflatable life jackets provide buoyancy when inflated by a CO2 cylinder, and inherently buoyant life jackets use foam or other buoyant materials to stay afloat. Inflatable life jackets should be inspected prior to use, particularly when around sharp equipment like fishing gear, which can cause tears or leaks that may go unnoticed. It's not enough to just own a life jacket -- you must always wear it. In 2015, the Coast Guard counted 4,158 accidents that involved 626 deaths, 2,613 injuries and approximately $42 million of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Where cause of death was known, 85 percent of drowning victims in recreational boating accidents were not wearing life jackets.

Other essential boating gear includes visual distress signals, sound producing devices, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB), fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and correct permits and decals. All boaters, including hunters, should always leave a float plan with at least one person on land so they know where to find them if needed. Also be sure to check your local state's hunting regulations. For boaters storing their boat in the off-season, please visitsafeboatingcampaign.com for additional safety tips.

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? The United States Power Squadrons offers many courses such as weather, seamanship, navigation, marine mechanics and marine electronics online and in the classroom. For more information visit our website at: www.grandlakeusps.com or on Face Book at GLSPS.