June 12 GRDA Update

June 12, 2018

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Recreational Boating Statistics Reveal Decrease in Deaths & Injuries

The 2017 Recreational Boating Statistics, released May 29, 2018, contain statistics on recreational boating accidents and state vessel registration. The publication is a result of the coordinated effort of the U.S. Coast Guard and the states and territories.

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,291 accidents that involved 658 deaths, 2,629 injuries and approximately $46 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Compared to 2016, the number of accidents decreased 3.9%, the number of deaths decreased 6.1%, and the number of injuries decreased 9.4%.

“Although these lower numbers are encouraging, I ask those who boat to continue to do so responsibly, especially by donning a life jacket,” said Capt. Scott Johnson, chief of the Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety at Coast Guard Headquarters. “Wearing a life jacket is the single-most important thing you can do to save your life or the life of someone you care about.”

Where cause of death was known, 76% of fatal boating accident victims drowned (80% in 2016). Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 84.5% were not wearing a life jacket (83% in 2016).
Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 19% of deaths (15% in 2016).
Where instruction was known, 81% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction (77% in 2016). Only 14% of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had received a nationally-approved boating safety education certificate.
There were 172 accidents in which at least one person was struck by a propeller. Collectively, these accidents resulted in 31 deaths and 162 injuries.
Where data was known, the vessel types with the highest percentage of deaths were open motorboats (47%), kayaks (15%), and personal watercraft (7%).
The 11,961,568 recreational vessels registered by the states in 2017 represent a 0.84% increase from last year when 11,861,811 recreational vessels were registered.

Practice Makes Perfect

GRDA Police Officers continued honing their skills in water rescues last week in the Grand River below Pensacola Dam. The water rescue and boat operations training will continue for officers in the coming weeks because of the busy lake and river season. Officers practice victim recovery from a rescue boat at right.

It Only Takes Seconds to Drown

Holway Reservior Boating Rules

The W. R. Holway Reservior, or Salina Pumpback, is a terrific lake to fish. GRDA invites anglers to enjoy the serenity of fishing on this little jewel, but there are restrictions for those that want to put a boat on the lake for fishing. GRDA Regulations state that “With the exception of the Lake Patrol, vessels powered by internal combustion engines are not permitted on W.R. Holway Reservoir”.

This can often result in confusion for those that want to put a boat on the water at Pumpback. A boat that has an internal combustion engine that powers the vessel is not allowed to be used on the lake, even if the motor is trimmed up and an electric trolling motor is used. Any boat with a gas powered engine for propulsion is not allowed on the Pumpback Lake, because the rule does not specify that the motor has to be in use, or even on. However, because the rules apply to the engine that powers the boat, that means the use of generators to power accessories, lights, etc. can be used on vessels on the Holway Resevior.

Also remember that swimming is prohibited in the W.R. Holway Reservoir.

GRDA Controlled Hunts 2018

The Grand River Dam Authority is announcing that it will once again hold controlled hunts, for the upcoming deer and waterfowl seasons, on its Ottawa County properties along the Neosho River. Those interested in applying for these special draw hunts, can register online at www.grda.com/grda-hunting-drawing. The registration period begins June 1 and runs through July 31.

Prospective hunters can apply as individuals or with a group of up to four individuals. This year’s schedule will include a “youth-only” hunt during the youth deer gun season. While the hunts are open to the public, GRDA also asks that residents of its municipal customer, public power communities upload a copy of a utility bill as proof of residence for consideration for special opening day hunts. The controlled hunts for deer and waterfowl will begin this fall.

Did You Know?

True or False: Persons operating a paddleboard or kayak on our lakes must have a life jacket with them, but are not required to wear them.

Answer: False - GRDA Regulations require that "Persons using paddleboards, canoes or kayaks on the waters of GRDA MUST wear a life jacket at all times. Paddleboards, canoes and kayaks shall not be used between the hours of one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. Paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks shall stay within one-hundred fifty (150) feet of the shoreline unless in a no wake cove, hollow or creek."

Construction of the Pensacola Dam

Construction of the Pensacola Dam began in 1938 with completion in 1940. The dam’s 51 arches and 21 spillways total length is 5,145 feet and span about one mile, which makes the Pensacola Dam one of the longest multiple arch dams in the world and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the tour season for the Pensacola Dam. Come visit us at GRDA’s Ecosystems & Education Center for a free tour of the Historic Pensacola Dam, the only hydroelectric facility in the state open to public tours. We are located at 420 Hwy 28, next to the Pensacola Dam in Langley, Ok. The tours are every hour on the hour starting at 9:00 AM with the last tour going out at 4:00 PM, every day, including holidays.

Operation Dry Water

"Updates" on the Web

Did you not receive our latest GRDA Update? Do you have a friend that wants to see our Updates? You can now go to our website at GRDA.com to view the latest edition of GRDA Police Updates. Go to the Lakes/River tab, open the GRDA Police tab and click on the GRDA Police Update for the latest version of our email release.

Visit our website for GRDA Police Updates

Free Vessel Inspection Dates

2018 VESSEL INSPECTION SCHEDULE

All inspections held 10 am—2 pm

Saturday June 16 Elk River Landing Marina

Saturday June 16 Indian Hills Marina

Saturday Sept 18 Arrowhead Yacht Club (Wooden Boat Classic)

Boating Tips From the GLSPS

The most cautious boaters can sometimes experience unexpected problems on the water. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters, including personal watercraft and paddle sport users, take advantage of the free Vessel Safety Check program every year.

The Grand Lake Sail & Power Squadron has certified vessel examiners that can do a courtesy safety check at your boat – whether in a slip, at the launch ramp, or in your driveway at a mutually-convenient time. It usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending upon the size of your boat. They are also qualified to issue the GRDA safety inspection decal. If your boat does not pass, no report is filed. Instead you are provided a written report that aids you in correcting any discrepancies noted. To arrange a vessel check by the local power squadron go online to www.usps.org/grandlake and click on vessel safety check. Then click on VSC request and complete the form.

Interested in becoming more confident in your boating skills? Boat Smart from the start and take a course from America’s Boating Club, the United States Power Squadrons. For local information visit our website at: usps.org/grandlake or on Face Book at GLSPS.

NAV TIME

A Summary of Boating Laws, Navigation Regulations & Tips

That All Boat Operators Should Know

Pre-Departure Checklist

You can help assure a good time while operating your vessel by performing this pre-departure check.

Check the weather forecast for the area and time frame during which you will be boating.
Make sure that the steering and throttle controls operate properly and all lights are working properly.
Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor.
Check the engine compartment for oil leaks.
Check hose connections for leaks or cracks, and make sure hose clamps are tight.
Drain all water from the engine compartment, and be sure the bilge plug is replaced and secure.
Check to be sure you have a fully charged engine battery and fire extinguishers.
If so equipped, make sure the ignition safety switch and wrist lanyard are in good order.
Make sure you have the required number of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and check that they are in good condition.
Leave a float plan with a reliable friend or relative.

By the Book

The Administrative Regulations of GRDA describe the organizations, operations, and procedures for the Grand River Dam Authority with respect to its administration, rulemaking, and other activities and are intended to supplement and interpret pertinent provisions of state statutes.

The following information are excerpts of the GRDA Administrative Regulations Title 300 Chapter 35 that are provided in an effort to educate the public about what regulations are enforced on GRDA waterways and properties. Many of these regulations have changed effective September 11, 2017. All GRDA regulations are available for review at GRDA.com.

COMMERCIAL USE OF THE LAKES AND LANDS OF GRDA

300:35-15-1. Definition

The keeping or operation of one (1) or more vessels, surfboards, aquaplanes, skis, personal watercraft or like devices, Water Jet Packs or like devices, docks, landings, anchorages, marine railways, dry docks or any concession, for pecuniary profit or gain on the water of the lakes or upon the property of GRDA, the carriage of any person, or persons, or of any goods, wares, merchandising or other freight, for a valuable consideration, whether directly or indirectly flowing to the owner, charterer, operator, agent or any other person, shall be deemed commercial use of the waters and lands of GRDA and will be allowed only after a permit has been issued.