News

GRDA Police remind boaters of special July 4 Duck Creek rules

Jul 01, 2020

As the busy July 4 holiday approaches, the Grand River Dam Authority Police Department is reminding Grand Lake visitors of the special Duck Creek rules in place for the holiday weekend.

Not only are these rules in place to help promote safe outings on one of the busiest lake days of the summer, but also to help facilitate a special aerobatic air show, to be held in Duck Creek prior to the fireworks.

The Duck Creek rules are as follows:

• On the actual day of the Duck Creek Fireworks (Saturday, July 4), all watercraft shall operate at “idle” and avoid producing a wake at all times in Duck Creek (all day, all night).
• Due to the FAA approved “air box” for the aerobatic air show, no boats will be allowed to anchor in Duck Creek until after the air show. However, there will be ample time for boats to get into position prior to the fireworks.
• Ingress and egress into or out of Duck Creek will be completely halted during the air show, as well as during an air show rehearsal on Friday night, July 3.
• The use of drones during the air show is prohibited.  Any drone use will require the show to be halted until the area can be cleared.
• 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 ft. 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 ft., 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.
• 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.
• Areas north of “The Turn” are No Skiing areas and the vessel size restrictions mentioned above apply to this area as well.

For more information about the GRDA Police Department or how an officer can assist you, contact the department at (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.