Boating On The Lake This Weekend? Don’t Skip These Safety Checks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — Memorial Day weekend marks the first major outing of the boating season, and there are a few simple precautions that can help keep everyone safe at the Lake.

“With a new season of boating and water activity, it is important not to overlook checking both boat and dock safety equipment,” said Bob May, co-chair of the Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council.

Before you hit the water, make sure you're an XTow member: if you break down, your tow will be free, plus members save 10¢/gallon at XTow Partner Marinas around the Lake. New members this weekend save 50% on a one-year membership! Join XTow.

Before you launch, use the No-Tow Checklist to avoid the most common reasons for a breakdown. The checklist is below.

Download PDF

More Tips from the Water Safety Council

Dock & Trailer Safety

If you trailer a boat, make sure the lights and brakes are working properly before hitting the road.

Dock owners should inspect electrical systems and have them checked by a qualified electrician if needed. Safety equipment such as a throwable ring, throw bag with rope, and a pole should also be easily accessible.

On the Water

Before launching, check that the bilge pump, horn, and navigation lights are functioning properly, and make sure the drain plug is securely installed.

When fueling, boaters should avoid overfilling and run the blower for at least four minutes afterward. Boaters should verify they are using the correct fill location for fuel, not water or waste.

Life jackets remain one of the most important safety items on the water. Boaters should inspect jackets for wear and ensure they are the correct size and weight rating for each user. Anyone riding a personal watercraft must wear a life jacket, and Missouri law requires children under age 7 to wear one anytime they are on a boat.

Alcohol and boating do not mix. Operating a boat while intoxicated is illegal in Missouri, and operators with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08% can face Boating While Intoxicated charges.

Weather Awareness

Boaters are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts closely and keep a weather radio nearby in case severe weather develops.

The Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council is a nonprofit organization formed in 2007 to promote boating and water safety throughout the Lake region and Midwest. The council includes representatives from local chambers of commerce, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Division, U.S. Coast Guard, Ameren Missouri, and other community organizations.