News

GRDA Police continue to stress boating, floating safety

Aug 23, 2024

As it looks back on an especially challenging summer of 2024, filled with multiple fatality accidents on the water, the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department continues to stress and reinforce its boating and water safety message.

Since May, the department has responded to nine incidents that resulted in the loss of life on the water. However, the loss of even one life is too many according to officers who patrol the waters of Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, and the Illinois River.

“It has been a difficult summer as we have dealt with multiple tragedies on the water,” said Executive Vice President/Chief of Law Enforcement & Lake Operations Brian Edwards. “We want to bring an end to that pattern as we head through the rest of the summer and the busy Labor Day weekend.”

To help promote safe outings, the GRDA Police continue to stress the importance of boating and floating safe, smart, and sober to all who plan to visit the waters.

Water safety begins with proper life jacket use. According to the latest statistics from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, 80 percent of all recreational boating deaths are due to drowning, and 86 percent of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.

“We cannot stress life jacket use enough,” said Edwards. “Life jackets save lives, but they only work if you wear them.”

Oklahoma law requires any child aged 13 or under to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket on any boat that is less than 26 feet in length. It also requires that each vessel be equipped with enough life jackets for all passengers aboard. However, the GRDA Police stresses life jacket use, not just availability.

“We encourage adults to wear their jackets at all times on the water,” said Edwards. “First, it keeps you safe, and second, it sets a good example for children. Proper life jacket use should be practiced by all ages.”

Along with proper life jacket use, GRDA Police continue to stress boating smart, which begins with following a few simple tips on the water:

• Know the water and environment where you will be boating or floating.
• Keep a good lookout while underway.
• If boating, shut engines off when people are in the water near your boat.
• Observe the nautical “rules of the road.”
• Always check the weather forecast before getting underway. Don’t get caught on the water in a storm.
• Keep a balanced load and trim boat.
• Don’t overload the boat.
• Don’t ride on the gunwale, bow, seat backs or any place that is not designated for sitting.
• Don’t swim or boat alone. Stay within sight of companions.
• River floaters are reminded to let the commercial float operator know if anyone in the party is a first-time or novice floater(s). They may be able to pair them with an experienced paddler/floater or float the group in a raft where there is a lesser chance for capsizing.
• Never dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, stream banks and trees.
• If you get tired while floating, take a break on the bank or on a gravel bar to rest.
• Do have a float plan. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Use common sense on the water, slow down and watch out for others.

Finally, GRDA Police are reminding the public of the dangers of mixing alcohol and boating. According to those Coast Guard statistics, alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents last year, accounting for 79 deaths nationwide, or a total of 17.9 percent of total fatalities.

“Drinking and boating is a bad idea,” Edwards added. “It can impair your judgment, your depth perception and overall ability to operate your vessel. Plus, it creates a dangerous situation not only for you but for your passengers and everyone else in the water around you.”

With the busy Labor Day holiday approaching, the GRDA Police are stressing these safety reminders to promote a safe and enjoyable end to the summer season for lake and river visitors.

If you have an emergency while on the water, the department encourages you to call 911.

If you have non-emergency related questions about boating rules, water safety or other issues, please feel free to contact the GRDA Police at its non-emergency number (918) 256 0911.