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Safety & Guidelines
 Recreational Safety
Grant PUD places a high priority on public safety on our project. Enjoy the reservoirs, but also to be aware of safety hazards and dangerous conditions. The Priest Rapids and Wanapum dam reservoirs are part of a working river. Remember water levels can fluctuate rapidly as utility operators control the reservoir elevations to balance optimal power generation with a healthy environment for fish and other area wildlife.
When boating near either dam, keep a respectful distance from the safety barriers that are installed at the upstream approaches to both facilities.
Recreation FAQs
Water Safety
While it is important for everyone to enjoy our wonderful water resources, please aware of safety hazards and dangerous conditions such as water level fluctuations and submerged hazards. To enhance your level of safety, Grant PUD reminds you to keep these water safety reminders in mind.
Safety barriers located above both dams are there to keep everyone safe from:
Turbine and spillway intake turbulence
Sudden, violent wind changes – sometimes capable of sweeping a boat past the safe area
Do not go beyond the safety barriers under any circumstances! If someone gets in trouble and goes beyond the barriers, call 911 immediately. Grant PUD has trained personnel to handle these emergencies.
Keep clear of the downstream side of the dams. The spillway gates can open without warning, discharging large volumes of water. This water creates turbulence and current that can capsize your vessel.
Specific warning signs posted in numerous locations are for your safety. It is critical to heed all signs.
Be aware that water released from the dams can create hazardous boating conditions and sudden fluctuations affecting shoreline water levels.
This portion of the river is known for sudden high winds. It can be perfectly calm and within minutes, a wind can rise creating white caps and surf on the shore.
Responsible Boating
As the captain of your boat, you are responsible for the safety of all passengers. Review emergency procedures and inspect safety equipment prior to each outing. Inform all on board of the rules for safe boating.
A phased-in law passed in 2005 requires younger boat operators to take a boater safety education course in order to operate a boat in Washington state. Eventually all boat operators born after December 31, 1954 will be required to carry a Boating Safety Education Card. The law applies to operators of motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater. Information at Washington Boater Education explains the requirements and to whom the law is applicable.
Never use your boat without carrying all required safety accessories, such as fire extinguishers, flares and Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices. Know how to use all equipment.
Load your boat correctly. Keep the load balanced and avoid overloading to prevent possible swamping or capsizing.
Before heading out on the water, check the weather and make a trip plan. Leave a copy with a friend, relative or local police department official.
Use extreme care while refueling. Most fires and explosions happen during or shortly after refueling.
People in the water can be seriously injured if struck by a rotating propeller. Operate the motor only when the operator is seated securely at the controls and aware of everyone’s location.
Nine out of ten boating deaths are from drowning, and about half of these involve alcohol.
Always sit in proper seats while underway. Never sit on the backs of seats or gunwales.
Take a boating safety class offered by your local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Red Cross.
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