Busy Boating Season Safety Tips and Reminders From GRDA

Planning on doing a little boating at Grand Lake during the busy holiday weekend? Or, really, any busy summertime weekend?

If so, the GRDA Police wants to pass along some boat safe, smart, and boat sober tips to keep in mind.

You can also check out the Ultimate Guide to Boating at Grand Lake HERE.

GRDA has shared the following “Dos and Dont’s” often, but as you head to the water, keep these in mind:

• Do 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. However, GRDA encourages all ages to always wear a life jacket.
• Don’t drink and 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 the boat.
• Don’t overload the boat.
• Don’t ride on the gunwale, bow, seatbacks, or any place that is not designated for sitting.
• Don’t swim or boat alone. Stay within sight of companions.

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 always be 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. For the most part, they are very similar, but riders must 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, the ability to judge speed and distance, and the ability to track moving objects. Alcohol impairs all these abilities while also affecting balance. Oftentimes, PWC injuries occur when people fall into the water and are too inebriated to climb back on board.
• 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.

For more information about the GRDA Police Department or how an officer can assist community members, contact the department at 918-256-0911.

Finally, if those who need assistance from a boat are encouraged to call 911, or if no cell phone is available, radio the GRDA Police on Marine Band 16.