Power for Progress: Make life jacket use a regular part of summer lake outing

Life jacket lessons
GRDA Police Captain Eddy Bob Matthews shares the importance of life jacket usage with children at a Chouteau Public Library day camp in late May.

Power for Progress…

A weekly column from the Grand River Dam Authority

Make life jacket use a regular part of summer lake outing

With over 70,000 surface acres of Grand and Hudson Lake waters and the scenic Illinois River under its control, the Grand River Dam Authority’s commitment to stewardship of Oklahoma’s natural resources and popular recreational areas is broad. Whether you are sailing the wide-open waters of Grand Lake, fishing in a quiet Lake Hudson cove or floating the scenic Illinois River on a summer afternoon, GRDA is committed to protecting these waters and to keeping you safe as you enjoy them. 

The GRDA Police Department’s “boat safe, smart and sober” message is shared year-round through programs like the Kyle Williams Boater Safety Courses (offered free by GRDA), community outreach events, the “I Got Caught” lifejacket campaign, and other efforts to remind lake and river enthusiasts of the importance of life jacket usage and common sense on the water. At all ages, it is important to be educated about proper life jacket fit and usage and events like these are an effective way to introduce young children to the importance of life-long water safety practices. It is also a good opportunity for GRDA Officers to interact with students in a fun environment.

However, while GRDA is always reaching out to the younger generation to promote life jacket usage, the best way to reinforce the message is for adult boaters to set an example. Heading out to the water with your children? Wear your own life jacket so they can see just how important they are. It is a great way to boat smart and safe. As the 2023 summer season gets underway, now is the best time to commit to wearing your life jacket on the water.

Safe boating is a message the GRDA Police will always be sharing because it will always be important. If you have questions about life jackets, boating safety or lake rules and regulations, you can contact the GRDA Police non-emergency number at (918) 256 0911 or visit online at www.grda.com. 

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.