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GRDA Police Offering Free Boater Safety Courses

May 12, 2021

Safe boating for summer fun … To help prepare boaters for safe outings on Grand Lake, and to help younger boaters stay in compliance with Oklahoma law, the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department is offering free boaters’ safety courses in June.

With the busy boating season fast approaching, many lake enthusiasts are already planning their outings on the waters of Grand and Hudson lakes. However, the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department is reminding boaters, especially young boaters, of the need to take a boater safety education course.

In fact, it is the law. In 2007, the “Kyle Williams Safe Boating Act” took effect in Oklahoma. Named after a 12-year-old who died in a personal watercraft accident on Lake Eufaula, the act prohibits children between the ages of 12 and 16 years of age; without a valid driver’s license, from operating any vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, or sailing vessel 16 feet or longer, without first completing a state-approved boater safety course.

To help boaters comply with the law, the GRDA Police Department will be offering these boater safety courses, for free, on Saturday, June 12 and Saturday, June 19 (8AM to 5PM). Both courses will be held at the GRDA Ecosystems and Education Center in Langley.

Courses are designed to help new and returning boaters feel confident in their skills and learn about boating safety and boating regulations that can help to keep them safe on the water. The courses are taught by GRDA Police officers who also provide information about operating vessels on Grand and Hudson Lakes. Even experienced boaters can gain new knowledge about operating a vessel and many insurance companies even offer reduced rates for those who attend a boater safety course.

GRDA is Oklahoma’s largest public power 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.