Whether your holiday weekend plans take you to the waters of Grand Lake, Lake Hudson or the Scenic Illinois River, the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department is encouraging you to boat safe, smart, and sober.

The Independence Day holiday is typically one of the busiest times on the lakes and river and 2024 should be no exception. On all these waters, GRDA Police will be out in full force to perform patrols, assist boaters and, of course, promote safe outings.

“We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the beautiful water resources,” said GRDA Corporate Spokesperson Justin Alberty. “However, to help promote safe outings, please wear your life jackets, use common sense on the water and watch out for others. These things can help make your outing safe and enjoyable.”

Here are a few other safety tips to keep in mind as you visit as well:

• ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET.

• Before hitting the water, check the weather conditions. Do not get caught on the river or the lake in a storm that could have been avoided.

• Before leaving the dock, know the stability, load capability and handling of the vessel. Remember, every boat is different.

• Check the water conditions and know where hazards like sandbars and stump beds are located.

• River floaters are reminded to 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 group in a raft where there is a lesser chance for capsizing.

• Airplane pilots file a flight plan; boaters need a float plan. Tell someone responsible where the group is going and when they expect to return.

• Do not drink and boat. Most lake accidents are alcohol related. Do not become a statistic.

• Never dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, stream banks and trees.

• If you get tired while floating, take a break on the bank or on a gravel bar to rest.

• Never swim, boat, or float alone. Stay within sight of companions.

• Do not take anything on a float trip that could be lost in the river. Check car keys and other personal effects with the commercial float operator for safe keeping.

• Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions concerning lake rules:

• Boats must not operate within 200 feet of any GRDA dam or no closer than 500 feet during generation.

• Boats, including personal watercraft (PWCs) must not operate within 50 feet of another vessel when running at speeds over 10 miles per hour (provided this prohibition shall not apply to vessels operating in sanctioned events).

• The nighttime speed limit on GRDA lakes is 25 miles per hour.

• Wake jumping is prohibited in any cove, creek or hollow.

• Water skiing, jet skiing and similar activities are permitted only during daylight hours and are prohibited upstream from above Twin Bridges, in Elm Creek, east of Grove. A boat towing a skier must have a person (at least 8 years old) in position to observe that skier, unless a rearview mirror has been installed for boat operator observation of skier.

GRDA Police continues to stress the dangers of drinking and boating. According to United States Coast Guard statistics on recreational boating, alcohol use remains the leading contributing factor in boating accidents.

“Alcohol use can impair your judgment, your depth perception and your overall ability to operate a vessel,” said Alberty. “Additionally, it can create a dangerous situation not only for you but for your passengers and everyone else in the water around you.”

GRDA officers will be continuing the “I Got Caught” life jacket campaign during the July 4 holiday, on GRDA lakes and the Illinois River. As part of the program, free t-shirts are given to those boaters who are “caught” wearing their life jackets on GRDA waters.

For more information about the GRDA Police Department or how an officer can assist you, contact the department at 918-256-0911. If you have an emergency on the water, call 911.