Authorities urge caution on Oklahoma lakes and rivers ahead of busy July 4th weekend

TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — We are days away from this year’s July Fourth weekend. As families prepare to head out to our lakes and rivers, authorities want to remind everyone to stay safe on the water—especially after a concerning number of fatalities over the past few years.

Fun on the water in the hot sun, there’s nothing like it, especially on an Oklahoma July 4th weekend. But over the years, after several injuries and deaths at rivers and lakes across the state. The Grand River Dam Authority Police want people to play smarter.

“We do expect to have elevated lake levels. Elevated above normal for the 4th holiday which is always our busiest holiday of the summer,” Justin Alberty, with GRDA said.

Between 2017 and 2021, the State Health Department recorded 345 unintentional drownings in lakes and rivers— that’s about 69 deaths a year.

“The likelihood that floodgates may be open whether you’re on Grand Lake or Lake Hudson so stay well away from the flood gates. There will be bowies, there will be sirens, there will be lights,” he said.

That means more floating debris, hidden hazards, and sudden currents—making water conditions more unpredictable. So like every holiday weekend, safety first and here’s what authorities are urging you to wear your life jacket when out on the water, don’t mix alcohol with boating, alcohol is still the leading cause in nearly 18% of boating-related deaths nationwide, have a plan, let someone know where you are going, what route you are taking and who you are with.