Rowing on Griggs Reservoir
Rowing Schedules
As established by Columbus City Code 931.01-3
For the purposes of describing when rowing is permitted on Griggs Reservoir, the rowing year is divided into two seasons. The first season is October 1 through April 30 and the second season is May 1 through September 30.
October 1 - April 30
Rowing is permitted at all times on all days of the week.
Any shell or launch on the water before sunrise or after sunset must have lights as specified below.
May 1 - September 30
Rowing is permitted on weekdays from 5:00am through sunset.
Rowing is permitted on weekends and holidays from 5:00am to 10:00am.
You can find sunrise and sunset times here.
Traffic Pattern
For safety reasons, a very specific traffic pattern was established on Griggs. Note, rowers must stay within 100 feet of the shoreline. The river may be crossed only at three points:
North of Fishinger Bridge
At “The Wall”
South of the Hayden Run Bridge.
Lighting requirements
Rowing shells are required to have the following lights when rowing in the dark:
A red port and green starboard light on the bow of the boat
A white light visible from at least 500 feet on the stern of the boat
Personal flotation device (PFD) requirements
A USCG-approved personal flotation device (PFD) is required for each rower and coxswain. At a minimum, rowers are recommended to bring the PFD in the boat with them and encouraged to wear the PFD.
The coach may carry the rowers PFD if the coach stays with the athletes for the entire coaching session.
PFDs are offered by GCRA in the boat bays. Members are encouraged o purchase their own PFD.
The Marine Police may ticket members on the water without a PFD in their boat or coaches’ launch in the immediate proximity.