News

GRDA Police share water safety tips ahead of Labor Day holiday

Aug 25, 2025

Headed out to Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, or the Scenic Illinois River for the Labor Day holiday? If so, the GRDA Police Department is sharing some important water safety tips you should keep in mind. Remember, boat and float safe, smart, and sober. And wear your life jacket!

The Grand River Dam Authority Police Department wants to remind those heading to the lakes or river of some important information that can help promote a safe time on the water. Whether visiting GRDA’s Grand Lake, Lake Hudson, or the scenic Illinois River, it is important to remember that enjoyable outings always start with boating – and floating – safe, smart, and sober.

“Labor Day weekend is a very popular time for people to visit the lakes and the river,” said GRDA Corporate Communications Spokesperson Justin Alberty. “We certainly encourage everyone to come out and have a great time, but remember, fun on the water always begins with safety. So please wear a life jacket and watch out for others.”

Ahead of the long weekend on the water, the GRDA Police Department passes along the following safety reminders …

• Do wear a life jacket. For those floating the river, children 13 years of age and under are required to wear a life jacket. On the lake, children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket on vessels under 26 feet long. GRDA encourages everyone to always wear a life jacket.
• Don’t drink and operate a boat. Alcohol use continues to be the single leading factor contributing to boating accidents.
• Do know the water and environment.
• Do keep a good lookout while underway.
• Do shut engines off when people are in the water near your boat.
• Do observe the nautical “rules of the road.”
• Do check the weather forecast before getting underway.
• Do 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.
• For those floating the river, do 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 person in a raft where there is a lesser chance for capsizing.
• Don’t dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, stream banks and trees.
• Do respect the weather and the water. If tired while floating, take a break on the bank or on a gravel bar to rest.

For those planning on hitting the water on a personal watercraft, the GRDA Police also offers these important safety tips:

• Don’t ride tired. PWC operation requires a real sense of balance. Tired operators do not have as much balance, which means less controlled operation.
• Watch the weight. Don’t carry more passengers or weight than is recommended in the PWC’s owner manual. The heavier the load, the harder it is to handle and turn the PWC.
• Watch out for others. Because lake traffic changes constantly, riders must be very aware of their surroundings.
• Know what the craft is capable of. Just because a person has ridden a PWC before, don’t assume they are all the same. Riders should be educated about the specifics of the craft they are operating.
• Know the location on the water. Watch out for hazards such as rocks, buoys, sandbars, and skiers. Even though PWCs are designed to operate in shallow waters, it is important to remember that shallow water can become no water in a hurry. Avoid such areas.
• Never drink and ride. PWC operation requires clear thinking, quick decisions, the ability to focus, depth perception, ability to judge speed, distance, and ability to track moving objects.
• Watch the speed. Many PWC accidents are a result of excessive speed. PWC operators must match their speed to their skills. Don’t be overmatched by traveling too fast.

If you have an emergency on the water, call 911. For more information about the GRDA Police Department or how an officer can assist you in a non-emergency situation, contact the department at (918) 256-0911 or visit grda.com. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.