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Coast Guard Auxiliary

Fun and excitement on Lake Texoma should begin with a healthy respect for the water and a knowledge of safe practices for boating, swimming and skiing. Anyone with experience in lake sports knows there are regulations and rules of courtesy that can help ensure that a vacation is a wonderful experience.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an excellent source of information and assistance to lake visitors. The Auxiliary is a non-military organization established in 1941 to help the U.S. Coast Guard promote the safe operation of motor boats, sailboats and yachts. The Auxiliary offers several boating safety courses including one aimed at young people. Most of these courses offer everything a person needs to know before venturing out on the water for the first time. They’re also good to keep the seasoned boater current with the ever-changing regulations and equipment requirements. The Auxiliary also conducts free safety checks of boats and equipment. They’ll offer sound advice on any defects found and how to correct them. No official reports are made.

Auxiliary flotillas currently patrol Lake Texoma from bases at Little Glasses Resort (North Texoma), Loe’s Highport Resort (West Texoma), Grandpappy Point (Rocky Point), Cedar Bayou Marina (Cedar Bayou), Eisenhower Marina (Eisenhower), Catfish Bay Marina (Catfish Bay) and Soldier Creek Resort (Soldier Creek). They are continually accessible by radio to assist boats with mechanical problems, to search for lost boats and to render general help to anyone on the water.

Although the Auxiliary has no law enforcement authority, its members do patrol the lake and report serious infractions to the Coast Guard and Lake Patrol. For additional information, the Auxiliary can be contacted at any one of its Lake Texoma bases. In an emergency, the Coast Guard can be contacted on channel 16.

Common Sense Tips

The Tulsa District Corps of Engineers wants to keep Texoma safe and pleasurable for visitors. They offer these common-sense tips for boaters, swimmers and skiers.

BOATING

  • Heed all warning signs and buoy lines near the dam.
  • Be alert for submerged obstacles such as stumps, logs and fences — particularly in shallow water or near shorelines.
  • Never overload the boat.
  • Head for the shore if bad weather threatens — storms can come up quickly.
  • If capsized, stay with the boat and use it as a life preserver.
  • Slow down when approaching docks, skiers and other boats.
  • Don’t dig into steep banks, they collapse easily.
  • Be willing to help others and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it.

SWIMMING

  • Never swim alone, and keep a watchful eye on any children in your group.
  • Stay away from boat channels, launching ramps and docks.
  • Before diving, ascertain water depth and look for underwater obstacles.
  • Remember that distances across water may be longer than they appear.

SKIING

  • Stay in open water and watch for other boats and skiers.
  • Always have two people inside the boat: one to drive and one to watch the skier.
  • Always wear an approved flotation device.
  • As always, be aware of the danger of underwater obstacles.