May 1, 2018 GRDA Update

May 1, 2018

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GRDA Police

Ready for Severe Weather Season

Unknown to most, there is allot of effort that we put into watching the weather, especially when we enter the spring storm season. The GRDA has assets all over the state, as well as those that we serve in our service area that we strive to protect when Mother Nature is at her worst. Because our watershed covers millions of acres beyond our rivers, the effects of the weather way beyond our boundaries can have an impact on our lakes and rivers, which results in the constant need to be aware of what the weather is doing far beyond the region of the lakes and rivers that we serve. It is a constant task for us to remain vigilant for potential weather that can have a detrimental impact on our region.

Before the Storms: For days and even weeks before we expect inclement weather to hit our area, police administrative staff are checking daily forecasts from the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Predication Center (SPC). This not only includes daily views of data and updated forecast information, but also regular briefings with the NWS and area Emergency Management directors to determine possible impacts of severe weather. Hydrology reports are an important aspect of what we monitor to determine the impacts of what a weather system may do to our watersheds. All of our police personnel are put on notice before expected severe weather may hit our area, to ensure that vehicles and equipment are ready for service. The GRDA has a wide array of assets that may be put on standby to mobilize.

During the Storms: The GRDA 911 Dispatch Center will be the hub of most activity during inclement weather, with Communications personnel providing updates to police based on the constant flow of information that comes in from the NWS, other agencies and media outlets. GRDA Police have personnel that are trained by the Oklahoma Mesonet to monitor weather events using real-time radar and data from the NWS, SPC and Ok Mesonet. We also maintain constant contact with the NWS, storm spotters, emergency management agencies and the news media from around the state to receive current information on dangerous weather conditions, even before the information is released to the public. This allows our assets to be deployed where needed during a storm, and many of our officers and equipment will be staged near areas where the most significant weather events are predicted to take place.

After the Storm: The work doesn’t end just because the storms have moved out. Monitoring the inflows of storm waters into our watershed as well as inflow predictions can last for days, if not weeks after an event. In the event a significant system does hit our service area, our agency will deploy personnel and equipment to assist other agencies that are in need of rescue services, including swift-water rescues, land flood rescues, ropes and confined space rescues, or even search and recovery operations.

Rest assured that regardless of the weather event and the results that we may see, GRDA Police will be watching and waiting to respond when needed.

Severe Weather Expected This Week

Stay Weather Alert!

Be Prepared for Cold Waters

GRDA Police are urging all boaters and paddlers to wear life jackets to ensure their safety on the water this Spring due to the unusually cool temperatures we have had. While air temperatures are forecasted to be in the 70s and 80s across the state, water temperatures in rivers and lakes remain cold, currently in the 50’s.

One of the challenges is that higher air temperatures in the spring can cause a false sense of security for boaters. When it is 80 degrees and sunny outside it is hard to imagine the potential dangers of cold water when you are boating, floating, fishing or paddling. However, water temperatures in rivers and reservoirs may only be in the 50s or 60s because of our later winter temperatures, which could lead to a life-threatening situation if a person accidentally falls overboard.

When a person falls into cold water, the shock of the cold water causes you to gasp for air. GRDA officials say it literally takes your breath away and the ability to hold your breath is almost impossible.

Without a life jacket to keep you afloat, a person that accidentally falls into cold water may drown within minutes.

Free Fishing Fun for the Kids

The Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is again organizing the annual Lake Hudson Free Kids Fishing Tournament. The Salina Chamber received $3,500 in sponsorship funding from GRDA for the annual event that will again be located at Snowdale State Park on Lake Hudson. The 2018 fishing tournament for children will be held on Saturday, June 2nd from 7 AM till noon and is free for all children who are up to the challenge of competing for the prized fish to proudly display to all. There will be free fishing rods, lures and lots of prizes for the kids, plus food and more for the whole family.

Life Jacket Saves Lives

Lake Rules

Did You Know?

True or False: 25% of all boating accidents involve a personal watercraft that was borrowed.

Answer: False - the number is actually much higher, at over 50%. Before loaning your boat to anyone, make sure they are familiar with all the operational rules for safe handling of your boat in particular. You may even find it helpful to create a safe boating guide full of tips and instructions to keep on board your watercraft.

Turn Around Don't Drown

Adopt The Shoreline

The shoreline cleanup scheduled for May 2 on Elk River in Zone 9 is being postponed due to predicted inclement weather and high winds.

A new date for the cleanup will be announced at a later time.

Check the Lighting on Your Vessel Before You Venture Out on the Water.

A reminder to all that Docking Lights ARE NOT headlights and should not be used while your vessel is underway. Dock lights will blind other boaters and restrict their ability to see your navigation lights, putting everyone at risk. Dock Lights should only be used as intended, to help guide you in and out of a dark boat slip at night.

"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.

Visit our website for GRDA Police Updates

Boating Tips From the GLSPS

Propellers that turn clockwise when the transmission is in forward gear are called right-handed propellers and those that turn counter-clockwise are left-handed propellers. The most common is right-handed. A single propeller boat will create what is called “prop walk” and requires a slight correction of the wheel to counter the “pull” or “walk” to make the boat go straight. An easy method to determine the prop walk direction while the boat is tied to the dock is to center the wheel and put the boat in reverse at idle speed. A right-hand propeller will “walk” the stern to port in reverse and a left-hand propeller will “walk” the stern to starboard.

Many of today’s inboard/outboard engines have both a left-handed and a right-handed prop mounted on a coaxial shaft which is designed so that the two props rotate in opposite directions eliminating “prop walk” in the single engine installation.

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.

NAV TIME

A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips

That All Boat Operators Should Know

File a Float Plan

Before going out on a boat or PWC, it is always a good idea to tell someone where you are going and ask them to take action if you fail to return on time. If you are unable to file a written float plan, at the very least you should tell a trusted relative or friend about your plans.

For shorter daytime outings, you should:

· Contact a responsible person before you go out and tell them where you will be boating and when you should return.

· Give them your contact phone number and the number for local authorities in case you do not return as expected.

· Contact this person again when you return or if you decide to extend your time out on the water.

For extended outings on the water, leave a float plan with a friend or relative, or your local marina. The plan should include:

· Vessel description, including registration number, length, make, horsepower and engine type.

· The description of the tow vehicle, trailer and what boat ramp you use to launch.

· The number of passengers, names and addresses, in the event of emergency.

· Departure time, expected return time and anticipated stopping points.

· Phone numbers for local authorities.

Toes In The Grand

By the Book

The Administrative Regulations of GRDA describe the organizations, operations, and procedures for the Grand River Dam Authority with respect to its administration, rulemaking, and other activities and are intended to supplement and interpret pertinent provisions of state statutes.

The following information are excerpts of the GRDA Administrative Regulations Title 300 Chapter 35 that are provided in an effort to educate the public about what regulations are enforced on GRDA waterways and properties. Many of these regulations have changed effective September 11, 2017. All GRDA regulations are available for review at GRDA.com.

PERMITS FOR WHARVES, LANDINGS, BUOYS, BREAKWATERS AND DOCKING FACILITIES

300:35-11-10. GRDA shall be the sole judge as to whether or not structures are constructed and maintained in accordance with these Rules and Regulations, or kept and operated in a good and safe condition.

300:35-11-11. Expiration of permit (a) The construction, modification, installation, and final GRDA approval of private docks, landings, anchorages, boat houses, breakwaters, buoys, rail-systems, and tram-systems must be completed within two (2) years from the date the permission to construct or modify is issued by GRDA. (b) The construction, modification, installation, and final GRDA approval of commercial docks, landings, anchorages, boat houses, breakwaters, buoys, rail-systems, and tram-systems must be completed within seven (7) years from either the date the permission to construct or modify is issued by GRDA or the date the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues an order approving the action, whichever occurs later. (c) Prior to the expiration of the permission to construct or modify, the GRDA Board of Directors may extend the time in which such structure must be completed upon request of the permit holder. (d) If the permit expires, the permit is null and void.