The upcoming Fourth of July holiday
promises to be one of the busiest boating weekends on Grand Lake and Lake
Hudson. And, as boaters prepare for their upcoming weekend on the water,
the Grand River Dam Authority Lake Patrol again takes the opportunity to
remind boaters to play safe on the water.
"We believe our lakes are a great place for
boating, skiing, fishing or just enjoying the water," said GRDA Lake
Patrol Chief Bruce Smith, "but we want everyone who visits to have a safe
and enjoyable time.
So please, use common sense and follow the
boating rules."
"Boaters should also remember the speed
limit on Grand Lake is 35 MPH after dark, in all locations of the lake,"
said Patrolman Brent Nichols, adding that boat lights need to be
illuminated at all times after dark. The patrol also reminds boaters about
the no-wake zones under all bridges. Finally, boaters need to be aware of
the Duck Creek boating rules, which were modified earlier this year. Those
rules, which went into effect May 1, are as follows:
• All watercraft which exceeds 8.5 feet in
width or 30 feet in length, shall operate at "No Wake."
• No wake vessels shall stay to the right
allowing all other traffic clear and safe travel right of the center lane
buoys.
• All other vessels shall operate at
planing speed not to exceed 30 MPH. Vessels must be on plane or move to
right producing no wake. This is to minimize wave action and also keep
down congestion in lanes which will limit stop and go and causing more
wave action.
• All vessels will operate to the right of
buoys going in and coming out. All vessels when moving at a speed greater
than no wake will remain 150 feet from docks and shoreline.
• Beginning May 1 and ending October 31, a
"No Wake" zone shall be in effect each night beginning at official sunset
and ending at official sunrise.
• Over the 4th of July weekend, all vessels
in Duck Creek must operate at "No Wake" round the clock (all day, all
night). The 2005 4th of July weekend will begin at sunset Friday night and
end at sunrise Tuesday morning.
• Definition of wake: "Wake" means the
track of waves left by a vessel or other object moving through the water
and such waves are greater than the natural waves in the immediate area of
the vessel or are cresting and showing white water or may cause injury to
any person or property.
Common sense on the water
GRDA’s lake patrolmen, who will be out in
full force to help ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend, are
encouraging boaters to help each other have a safe trip to the lake.
"Things like staying to the right when approaching another boat is
important and shows courtesy," said Patrolman Steve Henry. "Those are
things that can help everyone have an enjoyable outing."
The lake patrol also reminds boaters to
double-check all safety equipment before heading to the lake. This
includes proper fit for all life jackets (there must be enough on the boat
for all passengers and all children 12 and under must wear one at all
times on the water).
Finally, the GRDA Lake Patrol offers this
safety checklist for all those headed for a weekend of fun on Grand and
Hudson lakes:
• Before you leave the dock, know the
stability, load capability and handling of the vessel you’re operating.
Remember, every boat is different.
• All boats must be equipped with certain
safety equipment, but the equipment will only help if you know how to use
it. Learn how to properly use all safety equipment.
• Check the water conditions. Know where
hazards like sandbars and stump beds are located.
• Before you leave home, check the weather
conditions. Don’t get caught on the lake in a storm you could have
avoided.
• Double-check to see if all your safety
equipment is on the boat. These items are required by law:
1) Personal flotation devices for all
passengers
2) Bailing device
3) Fire extinguishers
4) Throwable cushions
5) Horn or whistle
• Airplane pilots file a flight plan.
Boaters need a float plan. Tell someone responsible where you are going
and when you’ll return. (This alone might keep you from being stranded on
the lake overnight.)
• Finally, "If you drink, don’t drive and
please, don’t boat." Most lake accidents are alcohol related.
In fact a study by the United States Coast
Guard has found that a boat operator with a blood-alcohol content above
.10 percent is ten times more likely to die in a boating accident than
boat operators with zero blood alcohol content. Don’t become an accident
statistic.
For more information on boating rules and
regulations, lake safety or the GRDA lakes area, contact the GRDA Lake
Patrol at (918) 782-9594 or visit online at
www.grda.com.
