Fire & Water Safety
Stay safe
Thousands of visitors enjoy Grant PUD’s recreation sites each year. Staying safe during your visit makes your time at our recreation areas much more enjoyable. Follow these tips and stay safe while having fun at our sites.
Stay safe on the water.
Stay Afloat
Water levels can change suddenly without warning. Be aware of exposed hazards when on or near the water.
Wear It
Ensure everyone in the boat is properly wearing a life jacket.
Lookout for barriers
Floating safety barriers are above both dams. Passing these markers is dangerous and not allowed.
Watch the forecast
Weather conditions can change quickly. Beware of high winds and strong waves.
Swim with caution
Always be careful. There are no lifeguards on duty at any of our recreation sites.
Call 911
If someone gets in trouble and needs help, call 911 immediately.
- Water flow changes can occur suddenly without warning and cause strong surface and underwater currents near the dams. Swimming or boating in these areas is extremely dangerous. Remember, water released from the dams can create hazardous boating conditions, so be sure to observe all warning signs and stay back from Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams.
- Sudden fluctuations in water levels can also impact the shoreline. Make sure your boat stays wet and anchor well off shore.
- Make sure water and weather conditions are safe before entering the water. Cold water reduces body heat 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. The Columbia River can be cold enough to cause serious harm. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time.
Fire Safety
Campfires are a nice addition to any visit, but know these rules before you build a fire:
- Grant PUD participates in countywide and/or statewide fire bans. Notices of burning bans and fire restrictions will be provided at our recreation sites.
- Fires are only allowed in approved devices including the fire rings and barbecue grills that have been installed at our campsites and picnic areas. (There are times when we may restrict burning even in these amenities because of extreme fire danger.)
- We never allow improvised fire pits and open burning on our recreation sites or shoreline.
- If planning to have a fire in an approved device, driftwood is a good choice. However, cutting or disturbing trees, shrubs, or other organic materials on Grant PUD property is not allowed. Doing so takes away the natural beauty of the region and needlessly impacts nature.
- If you build a fire, never leave it unattended. If you need to leave your campsite, be sure to completely extinguish your fire before you depart. If you need to deposit any remaining hot coals, do so at a designated hot coal facility.
- Don’t want to build a fire? Propane barbecues, propane fireplaces or other portable stoves are allowed in Grant PUD parks.
