Highway Patrol Sets Shootout No-Wake Zone, An Hour Shorter Than Last Year

With the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout boat races set for Saturday–Sunday, Aug. 24–25, the Missouri State Highway Patrol/Water Patrol has announced the No-Wake Zone that will be in effect for portions of Lake of the Ozarks those days.

For years, there's been a No-Wake Zone in the several miles of the Lake on either side of the Shootout, but in the last few years, the Patrol has been trying to control the amount of wake generated all at once by boaters exiting the race area when the day comes to an end. In 2018, a major change extended the No-Wake Zone on Saturday afternoon from the 31.5 to the 21 Mile Marker, and despite frustration from some boaters, the Patrol says it worked, and the Lake was "much safer" as a result.

Those same restrictions will be in place this year, with one change. Saturday's Extended No-Wake Zone will begin at 1 p.m., this year, whereas it began at noon in 2018. Other than that, the navigational restrictions will be the same. Here's a straightforward breakdown:

The standard No Wake restriction for the Shootout includes the main channel from the 31.5-mile mark to the 36-mile mark and will begin at 9 a.m. both days of the event.

Additional navigational restrictions will be put into place on Saturday, August 25, only. An Extended No-Wake Zone (idle-speed area) will be in effect from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will include the main channel from the 31.5 Mile Marker downstream to approximately the 21 Mile Marker. The extended idle speed area is in addition to the No-Wake restriction implemented for the event itself. The majority of the boating traffic exits the event in a downstream direction. Thus, the extended navigational restrictions will assist in maintaining a safe boating environment and preventing property damage.

Here's a map of the No-Wake Zones:

Download PDF

“The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout has grown into an extremely large marine event. Permitting this type of an event on a public waterway requires additional restrictions,” said MSHP Col. Olson. “The safety of the public and the protection of property must remain our priorities. The cooperation and patience of the boating public regarding these restrictions is certainly appreciated."

The Patrol will conduct enforcement operations throughout the restricted areas during the affected times.