Highway patrol shares tips for boating season

May 25—Whether you're planning a tubing trip to the lake or just a cruise down the waters for Memorial Day, keeping boating safety tips in mind is essential for a safe weekend.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Kurt Schmutzler said the biggest key is being weather aware. Check the weather before you go and be sure to have a contingency plan in place in case the weather goes south.

It's also important to ensure all equipment is ready and prepared prior to boarding a boat.

"Go through your boat. Make sure you have all the safety equipment, most of the boats have been sitting over the wintertime," Schmutzler said. "So it's good to make sure you go through all that before you actually go out on the water so you're not figuring out something needs to be replaced or repaired when you're on the water."

Sharing plans with others is another way to avoid getting lost or into danger.

"Let people know where you're going ... about what time you're going to go out, how long you think you'll be out there, and when you'll get back. That way, if you do run into trouble, we know a general idea where to go and get you help."

Essential items to keep on a boat are a first aid kit, a cell phone, a charger and especially life jackets.

"The state of Missouri requires you to have a lifejacket or BFD available for everyone that's onboard that vessel or that boat in the event of an emergency," Schmutzler said.

Schmutzler also urged people to not drive a boat after drinking.

"If you plan on consuming alcohol ... just designate an operator to operate the boat that's sober," he said.

According to the highway patrol, the most common accidents stem from people failing to keep a proper lookout. Someone should always be watching out for other boats, tubers and more.

"When you're out on the water, everyone's out there to have fun and a good time, which is great, but we don't want to have a day planned for fun be a tragedy," he said.

In the event of an emergency, state law states that if you witness a boat crash, you are required to render aid to those in need if you can. Boaters can call for further assistance by dialing *55.

Those who were born Jan. 1, 1984, are required to have a boater registration card before operating a vessel on a lake. A card can be requested on the highway patrol's website at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/WP02Web/app/orderCard.