Stay Safe on the Water
Much of Missouri has been devastated by floods this spring. Along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, homes and farms are inundated. Although the rivers have crested in most parts of the state, residents of northern Missouri and those along our eastern border will be recovering for some time to come.
The situation is entirely different in southern Missouri, however. As our prayers go out to those affected by this year’s floods, folks in our area are heading to the water to play. Canoe outfitters and campgrounds along Ozark streams report favorable floating conditions and the water level at the Lake of the Ozarks is under control.
Whether paddling a canoe or kayak, water skiing, relaxing on a pontoon boat or racing a jet ski around a cove, spending time on the water is one of the best things about summer in the Ozarks. Far too often, though, pleasure can turn to tragedy if we don’t follow basic safety rules. With this is mind, I’d like to offer a few basic safety reminders and direct readers to available state resources.
Nine out of every 10 boating-related drownings involve someone not wearing a life jacket. Missouri law requires a readily accessible and appropriately sized personal floatation device (PFD) for every person on board or being towed by a water vessel over 16 feet long. Either a wearable or throwable device is acceptable, but children under age 7 must wear a PFD whenever they’re aboard a water vessel.
Never ride on the bow, gunwales or railing of a motorboat. Also, it’s illegal to operate a boat or personal watercraft faster than idle speed within 100 feet of a dock, buoyed area or anchored vessel. Operators of personal watercraft should slow to “no wake” speed within 50 feet of other vessels. If you have to swerve your jet ski to avoid a last-second collision, you’re riding too fast.
It should go without saying that operating a boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol is unwise. It’s also illegal. Don’t drink and boat. Many dock-side restaurants and bars at the Lake of the Ozarks participate in the “Designate a Captain” campaign and offer free non-alcoholic beverages to sober helmsmen. Also, contrary to popular belief, floating an Ozark stream is not just an excuse to drink alcohol. Moderation is key and safety should always be paramount.
Good sense, common courtesy and state law all agree that you shouldn’t dump any refuse, garbage or plastics into waterways. Carry a trash container with you and place all refuse in a proper receptacle when you get back on shore. No glass containers are allowed on vessels that are susceptible to swamping or tipping.
Anyone who operates a motorized boat must first pass a Missouri Boater Education class and obtain a boater identification card. If scheduled classes aren’t convenient, you can complete the course at home through video lessons or online. No one under age 14 may operate a boat or personal watercraft in Missouri, unless accompanied by an adult.
For information about boater education courses or boater identification cards, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Water Patrol Division, or visit www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/WaterPatrol online. Be sure to download a copy of the Handbook of Missouri Boating Laws and Responsibilities. Far more than a listing of dos and don’ts, this handy guide includes information about the operation of boats and personal watercraft, including an overview of common navigational practices. It’s a good resource that will benefit even the most experienced boaters.
Finally, let’s all remember that while Missouri’s streams and rivers are public, the adjacent land likely is not. When you step onto shore, you are probably standing on private property. Most landowners don’t object if you pause along the bank, but please respect property rights and don’t venture far from the water or take any liberties that you would find objectionable if it was your land.
If we all keep safety in mind and respect the land, the water and our fellow citizens we can enjoy another wonderful Ozark summer on the water.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.