MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. John J. Hotz
Q512016-2 (573) 526-6115

May 2, 2016
EMPHASIS: May 21-27 Is National Safe Boating Week

Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, which takes place May 21-27, 2016. As Missouri’s weather warms, water enthusiasts will converge on the state’s many beautiful waterways. Safety should always be included in those plans to insure a wonderful day on the water is not interrupted by an unfortunate accident, injury, or something worse.

The National Safe Boating Week occurs just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season. A thorough inspection of your boat is recommended prior to taking it out on the water. 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 and, at your request, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law.

Boat equipment inspection stations currently scheduled are as follows:

TROOP A -- From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, Longview Lake boat ramp, the Smithville Lake West boat ramp, and the Shawnee Bend boat ramp at Truman Lake.

TROOP B -- From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, Ray Behrens boat ramp; from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, Hannibal Marina boat ramp on the Mississippi River.

TROOP C -- From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, George Winter Park on the Meramec River and St. Louis Yacht Club on the Mississippi River.

TROOP D -- From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, May 21, State Park Marina boat ramp; from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., May 21, 22, and 27, 2016, The Harbor Marina on Pomme De Terre Lake and State Park Marina on Stockton Lake.

TROOP E -- From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, Redman Recreation boat ramp on Wappapello Lake; from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, City Boat Ramp on the Current River.

TROOP F -- From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at four locations on Lake of the Ozarks. The inspection locations are: Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Public Beach #2; Lodge of the Four Seasons Resort, 315 Four Seasons Drive, Lake Ozark, 13-mile marker of the main channel; Tan-Tar-A Resort, 498 Tan-Tar-A Drive, Osage Beach, 26-mile marker of the main channel; Pirates Point, 64 Water Court, Sunrise Beach, 35-mile marker of the main channel.

TROOP G -- From 9 a.m. to 11a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, Pontiac Marina on Bull Shoals Lake and Van Buren River Front boat ramp on the Current River.

TROOP I -- From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, Onondaga State Park boat ramp in Crawford County.

To learn where your local marine operations troopers have scheduled future boat equipment inspection stations, contact your local troop headquarters.

Knowing the laws on the water as well as being aware of the environment in which you will be boating may keep you from becoming a statistic. In 2015, there were 152 boating accidents reported in Missouri, with 70 injuries, and 17 fatalities. Personal flotation devices for everyone on board is a must! Children under seven years old are required to wear a personal flotation device in a boat, but you are never too old to wear a life jacket! The majority of Missouri drownings on public waterways involve adults. 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. Designating a sober boat operator is always a priority.

“Whether in a vehicle or a boat, impaired driving is cause for concern. These concerns are compounded by environmental factors when an impaired person operates a boat. The wave action, extended exposure to the sun, and the wind all cause what is known as boater fatigue. When alcohol is combined with boater fatigue, reaction time and the overall thought process are slowed substantially.” said Colonel Johnson. “Everyone is encouraged to enjoy our beautiful waterways, but it’s very important to have a sober operator.”

Life jackets are now lighter, less obtrusive, and more comfortable than ever before. The new inflatable life jackets allow mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, or paddling, and are much cooler in the warmer weather. There are many different varieties of inflatable jackets ranging from those that inflate instantly when submerged in the water to those that are manually inflated. All are designed to be more comfortable than the traditional life jacket. Life jackets save lives!

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.

Other safe boating tips to be aware of include:

1) Be a defensive boat operator ... creating distance from other boats equals 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 entering/exiting the water.
4) If you could still 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 an accident. Don’t expect other boats to move out of your way.
6) Be courteous with your wake.

“Courtesy on the water goes a long way toward making everyone’s experience safer,” said Col. Johnson. “Pay attention and obey all of Missouri’s boating laws. Never operate a vessel if you are drinking alcohol. Watch your wake. No one wants to become a statistic.”

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.

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