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. Scott B. White
Q05062025 (573) 526-6115

May 6, 2025

EMPHASIS: May 17-23 Is National Safe Boating Week!

Colonel Michael A. Turner, 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 17-23, 2025, National Safe Boating Week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season.

Weather, time, and other elements may affect the readiness of your boat. Before taking that inaugural 2025 summer boat cruise, boaters are encouraged to make time for a thorough inspection of their boat. The Patrol’s marine operations troopers make boating safety a priority and are available, at your request, to inspect the required equipment on your boat 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 17, 2025:

TROOP A

Longview Lake Boat Ramp — 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

9898 Longview Road

Kansas City, MO

Truman Lake — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Shawnee Bend Boat Ramp

End of Golf Road, west of Truman Dam

Warsaw, MO

TROOP B

Mark Twain Lake ― 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Ray Behrens Boat Ramp

42991 Ray Behrens

Perry, MO

TROOP C

Troop C Headquarters ― 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

891 Technology Drive

Weldon Spring, MO

TROOP D

Pomme de Terre Lake ― 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Hermitage Boat Ramp

23697 County Road 218

Hermitage, MO

Stockton Lake ― 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

State Park Marina Boat Ramp

19100 South Highway 215 (then follow signs to marina)

Dadeville, MO

Table Rock Lake ― 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

State Park Marina Boat Ramp

380 State Park Marina Road

Branson, MO

Elk River — 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Conservation Access

South Rhine Road

Pineville, MO

TROOP E

Wappapello Lake ― 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Redman Recreational Area Boat Ramp

Missouri Route T

Wappapello, 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

Mari-Osa Access ― 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

10599 Marina Road

Jefferson City, MO

TROOP G

Bull Shoals Lake ― 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Theodosia Marina Boat Ramp

509 L.B. Cook Memorial Drive

Theodosia, MO

TROOP H

Harrison County Lake ― 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

West 180th Lane

Martinsville, MO

South Boat Ramp

TROOP I

Meramec River ― 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Onondaga Boat Ramp

Leasburg, 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 a National Association of Sate Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) 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 drowning can occur quickly, with little or no sign the victim is struggling. Preliminary statistics indicate there were 35 drownings in Missouri in 2024. Each situation is unique and tragic, and many of these incidents are preventable. A life jacket may have saved these people’s lives.

When you’re boating, 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. 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 depending on 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 affects 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 them!

Follow the Missouri State Highway Patrol on X @MSHPTrooperGHQ.

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