The dams and banks of small water reservoirs face significant erosion from wind-generated oscillatory waves. Proper design of structure height is crucial to protect such banks against erosion, considering the maximum characteristics of wind waves. Long-term measurements at the Hulín reservoir revealed that the wave spectrum aligns best with the Bretschneider type. This spectrum serves as a basis for simulating oscillatory waves and their impact on shore protection structure design. Empirical models were evaluated using wind and wave data from Hulín reservoir in the Czech Republic. The measured wind speeds attained a maximum of 8 m/s, and wave heights reached up to 15 cm. The Bretschneider (SMB) empirical formula provided the most accurate estimation of wave height (H
m
0), with an average underestimate of RMSE = 0.038 m. On the other hand, Wilson revisited (WIL rev.) performed less effectively, with an average RMSE = 0.304 m. For wave period (T) estimation, Bretschneider (SMB) yielded the best results, with an average RMSE = 0.062 s. Conversely, Wilson revisited (WIL rev.) showed poorer performance, with an average underestimate of RMSE = 2.196 s. The discrepancy between the empirical formulas and measured values, particularly in underestimating H
m
0, can be attributed to inaccurate determination of fetch length and wind speed.