January 15 GRDA Weekly Update
Winter Weather Boating Tips
In spite of periodic warm temperatures, winter weather is here, bringing high winds, rain and the chances of sleet and snowfall. The GRDA Police Department would like to help keep you and your property safe by sharing these tips regarding cold-weather boating operations and storage.
When planning recreational boating activities this winter, whether for activities such as fishing or pleasure cruises, please remember to check weather conditions several times prior to launching and while on the lakes. It is recommended that you give a float plan to a family member prior to the voyage, which includes departure time, where the vessel is going, what route is being taken, where you plan to launch, a description of your vessel, vehicle and trailer, and what time the vessel is expected to return. Ensure all safety equipment including life jackets, distress signals, working communication devices and extra warm clothing are aboard the vessel.
Oklahoma weather can change quickly, so make sure you are prepared for the worst that Mother Nature can throw at you if you venture out on the water. The dangers of hypothermic situations out on the water are much higher in the winter months due to the cold air temperatures and the drop in water temperatures. Wearing a life jacket is imperative this time of year because with water temperatures in the 40's, you have little time before hypothermia sets in. Be cognizant not only of the vessel’s ability, but of piloting ability as well. If there is any question as to whether it is safe or not to voyage on any particular day, police recommend that you not launch.
When securing a vessel, please ensure the equipment used to secure the vessel is in good working condition. Every year we find a number of boats and PWC’s that break loose from their mooring, dock or platforms, only to wash up on the shore, drift into other vessels and/or sink. If a vessel is tied to a dock slip, please remember to maintain your vessel and dock equipment. Boat owners are encouraged to ensure all bilge pumps on board are actively working, dock lines are in good condition and the object a vessel is secured to including cleats are in good working condition. We also encourage boat owners to conduct frequent checks on all these items before and after a windstorm.
It is not unusual for us to have winds over 40-50 mph creating waves that are several feet high beating against our docks. High winds combined with poor maintenance are the leading cause to vessels breaking loose from their moorage and causing several thousand dollars’ worth of damage. Proper maintenance to your equipment is critical to avoid damage to your property. If your vessel is in a dock, you need to check on it regularly during the winter months to make sure that all is well. Boat lifts have been known to fail, so make sure your vessel is tied off to your dock, even while on a lift. We also find a number of PWC platforms that come loose from their docks this time of year, so check yours on a regular basis to ensure it is secure. Make sure your dock & PWC platform is clearly marked with your GRDA permit numbers and that we have your current contact information in the event we need to notify you in case of an emergency. You can call our permit office to update information at 918-256-0852.
If Your Property is on the Lake
Working Through It
There is often the perception the job of a Lake Police Officer is fun in the sun and waves. The reality is that when you work 24/7/365, you must be prepared to work in every type of environment the weather can throw at you. This was evident last Friday as GRDA Police Officers were at the Broken Arrow Police training facility conducting firearms training in horizontal rain with below freezing wind chills.
Officers are always prepared to respond, regardless of the conditions. Rain, sleet or snow, we will always be there for you!
Finding Stream and Lake Data
Do you need real-time lake and stream data to know what the water conditions and inflows are for the rivers and lakes? This information can be easily accessed at several online resources.
Visit the GRDA website at grda.com and open the Lake/River tab, go to Lake Levels, then Stream Gages for current elevation, inflow and release details. You can also check the section for Water Quality, point and click on the map to find current water temperatures, oxygen levels, and water clarity. You can also follow us on the GRDA Facebook page to receive updates on floodgate releases.
The US Army Corps of Engineers website provides the Real-time Gage Data for the Grand/Neosho and Illinois River Basins to see how much water is flowing into the lakes from upstream. You can access this information at
You can also go to the National Weather Service website to get similar observations as well as predictions for the crest of river inflows. This information can be found locally at www.weather.gov/tsa/, and look at the Rivers and Lakes tab for hydrologic predictions.
Accidents Happen Unexpectedly
2018 Adopt the Shoreline Results
The efforts of the ATS program combined with the GRDA Shoreline Maintenance Crew proved very successful in 2018. For the entire year, over 124 tons of Styrofoam and trash has been removed from our shorelines on Grand and Hudson lakes!
Thank You to all of our volunteers and GRDA personnel who have given their time and efforts to keep our lakes beautiful!
The 2019 ATS cleanup events will begin in April. Sign up now to join GRDA and your neighbors to help us in Keepin' It Grand!
Did You Know?
In 2017, the Coast Guard counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents.
Prepare for the storm
9 pm Routine
Ready for Rush for Brush 2019
We are approaching the time of year to think about getting registered for one of our Rush for Brush events this year! The events will be held on March 23rd at Wolf Creek Park in Grove, and on May 18th at GRDA's Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley! A link to the registration website can be found below!
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 GLPS
Just winterizing your boat and forgetting about it for the winter season may not be wise. Depending on how you store your boat, certain precautions should be taken to protect it. If the boat is stored inside a building, one should check to make sure that no vermin have found a new home for the winter by checking on it from time to time. Discovering that raccoons have moved in and torn the upholstery apart to make it comfy is not something you want to find in the spring.
If your boat is stored outside on a trailer or on jack stands, check to make sure the boat cover has not blown off, torn or collapsed from the weight of water, ice or snow. Again, remember to check for vermin from time to time. If your boat is on a lift, it is especially important to check on it. Storms with high winds and waves can shift your boat on the lift plus tear or blow off your boat cover. Lifts can fail putting your boat in the water, sometimes at weird angles depending on the cause. The weight of ice accumulated on your boat and lift can lower the lift. Make sure your seacocks are closed and your engine is protected to avoid flooding and sinking your boat.
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 GLPS.
Boating Tips From the GLPS
Just winterizing your boat and forgetting about it for the winter season may not be wise. Depending on how you store your boat, certain precautions should be taken to protect it. If the boat is stored inside a building, one should check to make sure that no vermin have found a new home for the winter by checking on it from time to time. Discovering that raccoons have moved in and torn the upholstery apart to make it comfy is not something you want to find in the spring.
If your boat is stored outside on a trailer or on jack stands, check to make sure the boat cover has not blown off, torn or collapsed from the weight of water, ice or snow. Again, remember to check for vermin from time to time. If your boat is on a lift, it is especially important to check on it. Storms with high winds and waves can shift your boat on the lift plus tear or blow off your boat cover. Lifts can fail putting your boat in the water, sometimes at weird angles depending on the cause. The weight of ice accumulated on your boat and lift can lower the lift. Make sure your seacocks are closed and your engine is protected to avoid flooding and sinking your boat.
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 GLPS.
NAV TIME
A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips
That All Boat Operators Should Know
Special Events
If you plan to hold an organized event on the water, you are required to notify authorities of the details of the event.
Contact the agency that has jurisdiction over the waters—the Oklahoma Dept. of Tourism and Information, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Grand River Dam Authority, or U.S. Coast Guard—in advance of the event.
GRDA regulations require that events on the water or on GRDA properties must be permitted through the GRDA Police Department. A sanctioned event is any organized event which has been permitted by GRDA that occurs on the waters and lands of GRDA, including, but not limited to, regattas, motorboat or other boat races, marine parades, tournaments, fishing tournaments, "poker" runs, motorized rock-climbing, fireworks displays, concerts and other exhibitions. No sanctioned event shall be held without a written permit issued by GRDA prior to the event.
Get your free copy today!
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!
2019 Special Events Schedule
January 28 - February 3: Tulsa Boat Show, Tulsa Expo Center
February 15-16: Midsouth Tackle, Hunting & Boat Show, Grove Expo Center
March 7-10: Grove Boat Show, Grove Expo Center
March 16: GRDA Boater Safety Class, ECO & EDU Center, Langley
March 23: Rush for Brush, Grove, Wolf Creek Park
2019 Fishing Tournaments
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