May 21-27 Is National Safe Boating Week!

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to stress the importance of safe boating and make the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, which takes place May 21-27, 2022. National Safe Boating Week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season.

Boaters are encouraged to make time for a thorough inspection of their boat prior to taking it out on the water this boating season. Weather, time, and other elements may affect the readiness of your boat. The Patrol’s marine operations troopers are available to inspect the required equipment on your boat, at your request, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. To help facilitate these inspections, marine operations troopers will be at the following locations on Saturday, May 21, 2022 (unless otherwise noted):

TROOP A

Truman Lake — 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Shawnee Bend Boat Ramp

Warsaw, MO

Smithville Lake — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Camp Branch Marina Boat Ramp

17201 Paradesian Street

Smithville, MO

Longview Lake Marina — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

9898 Longview Road

Kansas City, MO

TROOP B

Mark Twain Lake ¯ 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ray Behrens Boat Ramp

20642 Highway J

Monroe City, MO

TROOP C

Meramec River ¯ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

George Winter Park

401 Allen Road

Fenton, MO

Yacht Club of St. Louis ¯ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

105 Lake Village Drive

St. Charles, MO

TROOP D

Stockton Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

State Park Marina Boat Ramp

19100 South Highway 215 (then follow signs to marina)

Dadeville, MO

Pomme de Terre Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Hermitage Boat Ramp

23697 County Road 218

Hermitage, MO

Table Rock Lake ¯ 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

State Park Marina Boat Ramp

380 State Park Marina Road

Branson, MO

Elk River — 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cowskin Access

Missouri Highway 43 and Langley Road

McDonald County

TROOP E

Wappapello Lake ¯ 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Redman Recreational Area Boat Ramp

Missouri Route T

Wappapello, MO

Current River — 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Doniphan City Boat Ramp

Jefferson Street, Doniphan, MO

TROOP F

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach #2 ¯ May 21st 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Old U.S. Highway 54

Osage Beach, MO

Mari-Osa Access — May 22nd 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

10599 Marina Road

Jefferson City, MO

TROOP G

Bull Shoals Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Theodosia Marina Boat Ramp

509 L.B. Cook Memorial Drive

Theodosia, MO

Clearwater Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Piedmont Park Boat Ramp

State Hwy Spur HH

Piedmont, MO

TROOP H

Big Lake State Park ¯ 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Boat Ramp

7181, 204 Lake Shore Drive

Craig, MO 64437

TROOP I

Gasconade River ¯ 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Bell Chute Conservation Access

CR 513

Vienna, MO

Additional information on equipment inspection stations may be obtained from your local troop headquarters.

In addition to an inspection, boaters should familiarize themselves with Missouri laws regarding boat operation and traditional navigational rules. Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes to possess an approved boating safety identification card. This includes those operating a personal watercraft. When boaters understand and obey the law, and vessels are in good operating order, everyone’s experience becomes safer.

A life jacket for everyone on board is a must! Children under seven years old are required to wear a personal flotation device while in a boat, but you are never too old to wear a life jacket! Although not required by law, children playing along the shoreline or on a dock should wear a life jacket. A drowning can occur quickly, with little or no sign the victim is struggling. Life jackets save lives, please wear yours!

It is important for each boat operator to know the capabilities of their boat. Reducing your speed in unfamiliar areas and being aware of unusual water conditions respective to the size and type of boat you operate are just a couple of environmental considerations.

Extended time in the sun and the constant motion of the water effects every vessel operator. It's important to recognize the dangers of boater fatigue. Stay alert while enjoying Missouri's lakes and rivers. Additionally, if you combine alcohol with boater fatigue your reaction time and thought process will be much slower. Designate a sober captain if you choose to consume alcohol.

Additional safe boating tips:

1) Be a defensive boat operator ... creating distance from other boats gives you more reaction time.

2) Adjust your speed for the conditions ... if visibility is poor, or the water is rough, slow down!

3) Turn off the boat while passengers are entering/exiting the water.

4) If you will be out on the water after dark, check your navigation lights before you leave the dock or ramp.

5) Each boat operator is responsible for doing whatever they can to avoid a crash. Don’t expect other boats to move out of your way.

6) Be courteous with your wake.

Boaters are reminded to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol by dialing *55 on a cellular phone if they need assistance or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner.

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!