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Highway Patrol offers boating safety tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend


MSHP offers safe boating tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend. (File)
MSHP offers safe boating tips ahead of Memorial Day weekend. (File)
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Missouri State Highway Patrol has offered boating safety tips via social media to emphasize National Safe Boating Week.

May 19-25 marks the boating safety awareness week, with law enforcement highlighting tips and safety reminders come Memorial Day weekend.

MSHP posted on their Facebook page to beware of boating after dark. They recommended checking navigation lights before leaving the dock or ramp if boaters choose to venture out into the water after nightfall.

The agency also notes to always be weather aware. In mid-Missouri, rainfall is common during the summer months. Getting stuck in a storm could be dangerous and make it difficult to navigate back to land. MSHP recommends checking the weather before heading out onto the water. The agency also asks all boaters and lake-goers to take shelter at the first sign of a storm.

Seatbelts are important on the road and on the water too. MSHP notes one can be ejected from a boat in a crash so if a seatbelt is available, keep it on while the boat is moving. In the video below, Sgt. Scott White explains the importance of buckling up.

Safety devices, floating devices and being prepared are some tips outlined in MSHP Boating Safety on Missouri Lakes video. The video below explains how to prepare for National Safe Boating Week and how to stay safe while on the water.

According to 2016 national boating statistics, Missouri ranked 10th in the U.S. for boating deaths and 9th for boating accidents.

There have been three fatalities in 2018 so far due to a boat crash.

"We haven't even seen the beginning of peak boating season. We definitely want to remind boaters that the water is an unforgiving environment," White said.

He also said it is important to be aware when going out on the water.

"Make sure you are prepared when you go out, make sure you have your life jackets, make sure you have a sober captain and make sure you're paying attention also."

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