Grand River Dam Authority issues out warning ahead of Labor Day weekend

TULSA, Okla. — The Grand River Dam Authority has issued a warning and some safety tips ahead of Labor Day weekend.

“Labor Day weekend is a great opportunity for many water enthusiasts to visit the lake or the river,” said GRDA Corporate Spokesperson Justin Alberty. “We encourage them to come out and have a great time but also to remember that great time starts with wearing a life jacket and using common sense on the water.”

The GRDA shared their list of do’s and don’ts to follow this weekend:

• Do wear a life jacket. For those floating the river, children 13 years of age and under are required to 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. GRDA encourages everyone 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 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 floating the river, do let the commercial float operator know if anyone in the party is a first-time or novice floater(s). They may be able to pair them with an experienced paddler/floater or float the person in a raft where there is a lesser chance for capsizing.

• Don’t dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, stream banks, and trees.

• Do respect the weather and the water. If tired while floating, take a break on the bank or on a gravel bar to rest.

The GRDA also warns people getting on a jet ski or similar watercraft to watch out for others, don’t ride while tired, and watch the weight. It’s also important to keep an eye out for hazards like rocks, buoys, and sandbars. It’s also important to keep an eye on the weather.

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