Oklahoma Boating Laws
All boaters on Grand Lake must follow Oklahoma state boating laws enforced by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lake Patrol Division and GRDA Police.
Required Safety Equipment
- Life Jackets (PFDs): One USCG-approved life jacket per person on board
- Children Under 13: Must wear a life jacket at all times when underway
- Fire Extinguisher: Required on boats with enclosed fuel compartments
- Navigation Lights: Required for operation between sunset and sunrise
- Sound Device: Horn or whistle required on boats 16 feet and longer
- Throwable Device: Required on boats 16 feet and longer
Boater Education
Oklahoma requires a boater education certificate for:
- Anyone born after January 1, 1986 who operates a motorboat over 10 HP
- Certificates from other states are accepted
- Free online courses available through Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
No-Wake Zones
No-wake zones are designated areas where boats must operate at idle speed only. These protect swimmers, docks, and environmentally sensitive areas.
Common No-Wake Areas
- Within 150 feet of any dock, pier, boat ramp, or anchored vessel
- Within 150 feet of swimmers in the water
- Designated coves and marina areas (marked with buoys)
- Duck Creek and other narrow channels
- Near the dam and spillway (restricted area)
Duck Creek Specific Rules
Duck Creek has specific no-wake regulations due to heavy traffic and narrow channels. Obey all posted signs and buoy markers.
Speed & Navigation
- No Speed Limit: Grand Lake has no lake-wide speed limit in open water
- Reckless Operation: Operating in a manner that endangers life or property is illegal
- Right of Way: Sailboats and non-motorized vessels have right of way
- Passing: Pass oncoming boats port-to-port (left to left)
- Nighttime: Reduce speed and use extra caution after dark
BWI — Boating While Intoxicated
Oklahoma's BWI law is the same as DUI:
- Legal Limit: 0.08% BAC
- Penalties: Same as DUI — fines, jail time, license suspension
- Implied Consent: Operating a boat implies consent to BAC testing
Be smart: Designate a sober driver for your boat, just like you would for a car.
Restricted Areas
Pensacola Dam
Stay well away from Pensacola Dam, especially when floodgates are operating. Strong currents near the dam are extremely dangerous.
- Restricted zone marked with buoys — do not enter
- When floodgates open, currents can pull boats toward the dam
- Below the dam, tailwater currents are powerful and unpredictable
Personal Watercraft (PWC/Jet Skis)
- Operators must be at least 12 years old
- Ages 12-15 must have boater education certificate
- Life jacket required at all times
- No operation between sunset and sunrise
- Must maintain 150 feet from other vessels when operating over wake speed