Top 5 Boating Safety Tips For Memorial Day Weekend At Lake Of The Ozarks

It's Memorial Day Weekend, one of the busiest boating holidays of the year at Lake of the Ozarks. As thousands of boaters gear up for summer fun, the Water Safety Council is reminding everyone of a few simple steps to ensure a great weekend at the Lake.

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Here are five things every boater should know as they head out for the weekend:

1. Life Jackets should be checked for wear

There must be a properly sized jacket readily available for everyone on the boat. In Missouri, children 7 and under must wear one at all times. In addition, boats must carry a throwable device to assist in water rescue.

*** starting Memorial Day, kids 7 and under caught wearing their life jackets on Lake of the Ozarks could receive a free t-shirt as part of a giveaway from Ameren and the Highway Patrol.

2. Know the rules of navigation when boating

If overtaking another boat, the one being passed has the right of way - so stay clear. If crossing, the boat on the right has the right of way, so slow down and let them pass. Operate your boat so the wake it causes is minimized.

3. Be careful launching for the first time of the year

Make sure to put the plug in and fill your boat with fresh fuel. It's recommended to run the blower for at least 4 minutes before starting or restarting a boat to clear fuel vapor that might explode.

4. Use the engine cut-off lanyard

Federal rules require the use of an engine cut-off lanyard for water craft 26ft and under to avoid runaway boat accidents.

5. Be a sober boater

Operating a boat while under the influence is against the law in Missouri, and any boat operator found with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08% can be charged with Boating While Intoxicated.