FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — May is National Water Safety Month, which also includes Safe Boating Week May 17 through 23, reminding water sport enthusiasts to incorporate safety into their boating excursions.
“Missouri is very lucky for the vast amount of waterways available for our use. Our goal is to ensure our service members and their families get to enjoy these waterways safely,” said Craig Reeves, Garrison Safety specialist.
According to Reeves, as the weather continues to warm up many Fort Leonard Wood community members will be heading to Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area.
“Whether it be fishing, boat rental or staying the weekend with your camper, a stay at LORA is a great way to spend a weekend,” Reeves said.
He said for the last few years MWR and Garrison Safety have teamed up to provide a water safety course for Better Opportunity for Single Service Members there.
“In this course, our BOSS participants receive their boater safety certification,” Reeves said.
In a news release, Missouri State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Michael Turner, stressed the importance of safe boating and said, “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.”
Boaters wanting to have their vessels inspected by the Missouri State Highway Patrol marine operations can meet troopers at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach No. 2, in Osage Beach, Mo., from 9 to 11 a.m. May 17.
Turner said the MSHP’s marine operations troopers make boating safety a priority and are available, on request, to inspect the required equipment on boats to make sure they are in compliance with state law.
In addition to the Lake of the Ozarks, marine operations troopers are planning to facilitate inspections across Missouri at the below locations Saturday, May 17:
TROOP A
Longview Lake Boat Ramp, Kansas City, 2 to 4 p.m.
Truman Lake, Shawnee Bend Boat Ramp, Warsaw, 9 to 11 a.m.
TROOP B
Mark Twain Lake Ray Behrens Boat Ramp, Perry, 1 to 3 p.m.
TROOP C
Troop C Headquarters, Weldon Spring, 9 to 11 a.m.
TROOP D
Pomme de Terre Lake Hermitage Boat Ramp, Hermitage, 9 to 11 a.m.
Stockton Lake State Park Marina Boat Ramp, Dadeville, 9 to 11 a.m.
Table Rock Lake State Park Marina Boat Ramp, Branson, 9 to 11 a.m.
Elk River Conservation Access, Pineville, 7 to 9 a.m.
TROOP E
Wappapello Lake Redman Recreational Area Boat Ramp, Wappepello, 10 to 12 p.m.
TROOP F
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Public Beach No. 2, Osage Beach, 9 to 11 a.m.
Mari-Osa Access, Jefferson City, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
TROOP G
Bull Shoals Lake Theodosia Marina Boat Ramp, Theodosia, 8 to 10 a.m.
TROOP H
Harrison County Lake South Boat Ramp, Martinsville, 9 to 11 a.m.
TROOP I
Meramec River Onondaga Boat Ramp, Leasburg, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“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 approved boating safety identification card,” Turner said. “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.”
According to MSHP, preliminary statistics indicate there were 35 drownings in Missouri in 2024.
Turner said drowning can occur quickly, with little or no sign the victim is struggling.
“When you’re boating, a life jacket for everyone on board is a must. Children under seven are required to wear a personal flotation device while in a boat, but you are never too old to wear a life jacket,” Turner said. “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.”
Turner said 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,” he added.
Extended time in the sun and the constant motion of the water affect every vessel operator. Turner said 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,” he said.
Boaters are reminded to contact the MSHP by dialing *55 on a cellular phone if they need assistance or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner.
For more safe boating information, visit the MSHP Water Patrol Division’s website.
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