GRDA Update

April 17, 2018

Grand River Dam Authority Police Department

EMERGENCY Call 911 GRDA Police Dispatch 918-256-0911

Responders Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts

Heroic, life-saving efforts of GRDA Police Officers and local firemen – on display during a swift-water rescue last spring – were recognized by the Grand River Dam Authority this week.

During the April 11 meeting of the GRDA Board of Directors in Vinita, Oaks Firemen Edwin Loco and Hans Hertzler, along with GRDA Officers Jeremy Cantrell, Lynn Hershberger, Lissa Kennedy and Tim Thompson, were all presented with the GRDA Police Life Saving Award for heroic actions on April 29, 2017.

On that date, they were all involved in a swift-water rescue effort along the flooded Double Spring Creek, in southern Delaware County. Working together, they were able to rescue all individuals trapped in multiple vehicles in the flood waters, even after one of the rescue boats capsized, throwing the rescuers into the swollen creek. Fortunately, the swift water rescue training each individual had received was key to making sure everyone went home safely and avoiding what could have been a tragic situation.

“Their training, their equipment and their quick thinking is what kept them all here today,” said GRDA Chief of Law Enforcement/Lake Operations Brian Edwards.

GRDA President/Chief Executive Officer Dan Sullivan added to that, telling the GRDA Board that this situation presented challenges, with rushing water flowing over downed objects to create plenty of hazards. However, everyone went home safely at the end of the day.

“With the training we continue to do and our investment in the equipment, everything came out like it was supposed to,” Sullivan told the GRDA Board. “We’re very proud of the efforts of each of these individuals.”

The GRDA recognized several responders for their meritorious efforts in Lifesaving Achievement. The awards were presented by GRDA Chief of Police Brian Edwards (far left) and CEO Dan Sullivan (far right). Recipients included GRDA Police Officers Lynn Hershberger, Jeremy Cantrell, Tim Thompson and Lissa Kennedy with Oaks Fire Department Firefighters Hans Hertzler and Edwin Loco .

Death Investigation Continues

GRDA Police began the investigation of a body that was found on the shoreline of Grand Lake northwest of Sailboat Bridge last week. The body of a male adult was discovered by an area resident while she was walking in the area of Catfish Cove. Investigators with The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation have identified the deceased as Robert Gene Bailey, 33, who was somewhat transient around northeast Oklahoma. Investigators are awaiting results from the State Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

Did You Know?

Two-thirds of drowning victims are described as good swimmers.

Refresher Course

GRDA Police officers attended a boating safety course conducted at Eco last week to get ready for the new boating season. GRDA officers attend the course to hone their knowledge and receive updated information about boating laws. GRDA Police Officer Jason Littlefield led a Kyle Williams training class at the Ecosystems and Education Center for fellow officers, including two from Claremore, along with two attorneys. The Kyle Williams Boating Safety Education Classes are open to the public, with additional classes offered in May and June. Please pre-register at http://www.grda.com/kyle-williams-boating-safety-classes/.

Zone 3 was the target last Friday for the ATS volunteers and the GRDA Shoreline Maintenance Crew, filling another dumpster with shoreline debris, that included an old dock.

The ATS program moved to the area of Zone 8 to include Wolf Creek on Saturday to continue the shoreline cleanup efforts. More than five large dumpsters were filled with trash from the shores of Grand Lake!

Together,

We are

Keepin' It Grand!

Check Your Life Jackets before you hit the water for the season. Ensure they are the right Type, in good condition and sized appropriately for your passengers.

GRDA Buoy Guide

"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

Boating Tips From the GLSPS

An important piece of safety equipment that is required to be onboard your boat is a type IV floatation device. This is a throwable device such as a cushion that floats, Styrofoam rings or horseshoe buoys. It is helpful to choose one that has something easy to grasp such as handles, so the individual can hold it close to their chest until they are rescued.

Every boater should practice a man overboard drill. Remember to approach at a slow speed from downwind to avoid drifting over the person in the water. When close, shift into neutral and coast to the person. Turn off the engine when you have made contact with a paddle, boat hook or line to avoid any minimal propeller rotation that could cause injury to the person in the water.

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.

Bassmaster Elite Comes to Grand Lake

The 2018 Bassmaster Elite tournament will be held on Grand Lake on April 26-29 at the Wolf Creek Park boat ramp in Grove. The public is welcome for an early morning look at 111 of the best bass anglers in the world beginning their day on Grand Lake. Takeoff will begin with the national anthem at 6:15 a.m. CT. The location for the takeoff is Wolf Creek Park .

After a day on the water, you are welcome to watch the Elite Series anglers weigh in their catches on stage with B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer and Tournament Director Trip Weldon. Weigh-ins are scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m CT at the same location as takeoff, Wolf Creek Park .

In order to accommodate the national tournament, officials will be closing the Wolf Creek boat ramp to all public boat traffic the week of April 23-29. The tournament is expected to draw 700 to 1,000 boat spectators, with as many as 5,000 on land at Wolf Creek Park at the weigh-in. The tournament will also be televised on ESPN.

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 .

PERMITS FOR WHARVES, LANDINGS, BUOYS, BREAKWATERS AND DOCKING FACILITIES

300:35-11-6. Buoys

(a) No buoy shall be placed or replaced on the waters of GRDA without a permit from GRDA. All buoys shall be purchased from GRDA at cost and installed at the expense of the requestor. The buoy will be installed to specifications provided by GRDA. The GRDA Police will inspect the installation to ensure compliance with all applicable GRDA rules and Oklahoma law. The requestor will be responsible for continuing maintenance and liability for the buoy.

(b) All buoys placed on the lakes shall be commercially manufactured units purchased from the GRDA and shall have reflective tape or paint on the top side. Any buoy not maintained in its proper location shall be subject to removal by GRDA. Any buoys, lighthouses or other types of markers placed with the permission of or installed by GRDA are primarily warning devices for the convenience of the public and should not be relied upon solely as navigational aids. GRDA assumes no liability or responsibility for loss or damages to life or property arising out of the public's reliance upon said devices.

300:35-11-7. Rail-systems, tram systems, and boat ramps

(a) No private or commercial rail-systems, tram systems, or boat ramps shall be constructed on GRDA property or waters without first obtaining a permit.

(b) A rail-system is used to accommodate a watercraft storage facility where standard dock installations are not applicable or desirable.

(c) A tram-system is a device capable of transporting people to and from a boat dock (or other floating structure) either for private, public or commercial use. Tram-systems are typically utilized on steep inclines associated with cliffs, bluffs, or to accommodate individuals with physical limitations.

(d) Railways and tram systems shall be maintained in a manner such that all electrical systems are to code, that environmental guidelines are met, and that the structures are safe and pose no risk or threat to the public.

(e) No boat ramp shall be constructed unless the ramp may be accessed by at least twenty-five (25) homeowners in a residential community or the public at large. Approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and/or other state and federal agencies may also be required.

Lake Launch Cancelled

It is with deep regret that GRDA must announce the cancellation of the annual "Lake Launch" season kick-off event. The annual event is typically hosted by GRDA as a "Welcome Back" for people to come to Grand Lake and has been held at Eco for the past seven years. The 2017 event was cancelled due to flooding, and the 2018 event must also be cancelled due to conflicting priorities within the Authority.