Last week while working the Tulsa boat show, I had the opportunity to visit with an old friend, and current Chief of Law Enforcement & Homeland Security for the GRDA, Brian Edwards. Chief Edwards, former Tulsa County Under Sheriff, has made no wake zones one of his top priorities this year, especially on Grand Lake. I asked Chief Edwards to send me the statute that applies to no wake zones…
300:35-5-1. Careful operation of a vessel
No person shall operate or give permission to operate a vessel in a wake zone at a speed which is other than reasonable and prudent and which shows due regard for the existence of actual or potential hazards and obstacles, or in such a manner as to endanger the life, limb or property of any other person, or in such manner as to create a wake. For the purpose of this rule, “no wake zone” means any area posted with buoys or within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any bridge, boat ramp, dock, pier, or anchored or moored vessel.
Now that our events will be going out of the new Wolf Creek tournament facility, Sailboat Bridge will be actively patrolled by the GRDA Police. Even though the bridge is marked on every other bridge pier with a sign, you must abide by the above statute, whether you see the sign or not. You may be asking why I bring up this discussion? First, to warn you up front of the active enforcement, and second to remind you that getting a ticket, would mean that you broke the law, thus dis-qualifying you from that particular event.
Safety is one of the XFL’s number one concerns. Along with the GRDA Police, we will work to not only see that our rules are enforced, but also those of the state, and the GRDA. Each of you will have a partner in the boat with you, so make it standard practice to remind each other of the No Wake Zones, and we will have no issues…with us or the GRDA.