GRDA Police share special July 4 rules for Duck Creek

For many lake enthusiasts, the July 4th holiday marks the high point of the summer season on Oklahoma’s water playgrounds. The Grand River Dam Authority’s Grand and Hudson lakes are certainly no exception, as large crowds are expected to hit the water for boating, swimming, skiing, tubing, cruising or simply relaxing along the shore.

With that in mind, the GRDA Police Department wants to remind all those lake visitors that “boating safe, boating smart and boating sober” is still the best way to spend time on the water.

One special message the GRDA Police share with Grand Lake visitors each July 4th is the reminder that special boating rules are in effect for the Duck Creek arm of the lake.

Those rules are as follows:

• All watercraft wider than 8.5 feet shall operate at “Idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek. (If the vessel is wider than 8.5 feet, Duck Creek is no wake for the vessel at all times regardless of length).

•All watercraft longer than 30 feet shall operate at “Idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek. (If the vessel is longer than 30 feet, Duck Creek is no wake for the vessel at all times regardless of width).

• All watercraft smaller than both measurements listed above may operate on plane not to exceed 30 mph in Duck Creek from official sunrise to official sunset.

•All watercraft must “Idle” and avoid producing a wake from official sunset to official sunrise (night time) in Duck Creek between May 1 and Oct 1. (No wake in Duck Creek for all vessels at night).

•All Watercraft must stay to the right of the center lane of buoys and at least 150 feet away from any dock, breakwater, structure, or shoreline.

•On the actual day of the Duck Creek Fireworks (Monday, July 4) all watercraft shall operate at “Idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek (all day, all night).

•The area known as “The Turn” (area near Harbor’s View and Ugly John’s) is a no wake zone for all vessels at all times.

For more information about the GRDA Police Department or how an officer can assist you, call 918-256 0911 or visit grda.com. If you need assistance from your boat, the GRDA Police Department encourages you to call 911. If you do not have a cell phone available, you can radio the GRDA Police on Marine Band 16.