For immediate release: 6/27/08

With Fourth of July approaching ...
GRDA Lake Patrol offers safe boating tips for higher lake elevations

Grand Lake – With the Fourth of July just around the corner, the Grand River Dam Authority Lake Patrol is gearing up for one of the busiest boating holidays of the year. The waters of Grand and Hudson lakes are once again expected to be among the most popular recreation destinations in the state during the first weekend in July.

With that in mind, the Lake Patrol again takes the opportunity to remind all boaters and lake visitors about the importance of wearing life jackets, following all boater rules and regulations, and, just simply using common sense on the water.

“We want everyone to have a great time on the water,” said GRDA Director of Law Enforcement Kenny Baker. “But a safe and enjoyable time goes hand in hand with using common sense and watching out for other boaters.”

Although lake levels at both Grand and Hudson are beginning to drop from higher June elevations, they may still be higher than normal during the holiday weekend. Because of that, the Lake Patrol offers the following important boating tips.

Be aware of floating debris. Higher lake levels can mean more driftwood and debris floating in the water. Please be on the lookout as you are boating.

2) Stay away from floodgates and spillways. There is a chance that floodgates at both Pensacola and Robert S. Kerr dams could be open during the holiday weekend. If that is the case, please observe the buoys designating the spillway areas and allow plenty of distance between those locations and your boat. (GRDA has recently installed new marker buoys, along with hazard buoys at the Pensacola Dam).

3) Do not go into spillway areas below the dam. Please use common sense and stay away form areas below floodgates where water is being released. The swift water can be very dangerous.

For more information on boating rules and regulations, proper life jacket usage and other lake information, contact the GRDA Lake Patrol at (918) 782 9594 or visit GRDA online at www.grda.com.