Safe Boating Week 2019, p. 4
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
Q532019 (573) 526-6115

May 3, 2019
EMPHASIS: May 18-24 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 by making the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, which takes place May 18-24, 2019. 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 arrange 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 boat equipment inspections stations on Saturday, May 18, 2019:

TROOP A --

Smithville Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Missouri Route W Boat Ramp

Truman Lake ¯ 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
(with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers & Coast Guard Auxiliary)
Shawnee Bend Boat Ramp
Golf Road, Warsaw, MO

TROOP B --

Mark Twain Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ray Behrens Boat Ramp
20642 Highway J, Monroe City, MO

Long Branch Lake - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Long Branch Lake Marina
29154 Marina Road, Macon, MO

TROOP C

Meramec River ¯ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
George Winter Park
401 Allen Road
Fenton, MO

Yacht Club of St. Louis ¯ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
105 Lake Village Drive
St. Charles, MO

TROOP D

Stockton Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Orleans Trail Boat Ramp
S. 1525 Road
Stockton, MO

Pomme de Terre Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Nemo Marina Cove
Missouri Highway 64
Pittsburg, MO

Table Rock Lake ¯ 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Shell Knob Access
Missouri Highway 39 Bridge
Shell Knob, MO

TROOP E

Wappapello Lake ¯ 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Redman Recreational Boat Ramp
Missouri Route T
Wappapello, MO

Current River ¯ 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Doniphan City Boat Ramp
Jefferson Street
Doniphan, MO
TROOP F

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach #2 ¯ 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Old U.S. Highway 54
Osage Beach, MO

TROOP G

Bull Shoals Lake ¯ 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Theodosia Marina
509 L.B. Cook Memorial Drive, Theodosia, MO

Current River ¯ 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Van Buren River Front Boat Ramp
509 Main Street, Van Buren, MO

TROOP H

Harrison County Lake ¯ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
West 222nd Street
West of Missouri Route W
Harrison County, MO

TROOP I

Lions Club Park (Kids Safety Day) ¯ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
1061 South Bishop Avenue, Rolla, MO


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

In addition to making sure your boat equipment is in compliance with state law, make sure you are familiar with laws regarding boat operation and traditional navigational rules. Remember: Missouri law requires everyone born after January 1, 1984, who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes to possess an approved boating safety identification card. In 2018, there were 173 boating accidents reported in Missouri, with 101 injuries, and 16 fatalities. 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 in a boat, but you are never too old to wear a life jacket! 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. 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 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 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!!


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