2023 Shootout charity boat race emphasizes safety for this years event
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. (KMIZ)
Saturday begins the 35th Lake of the Ozarks boat Shootout charity race and officials say boat safety is a priority.
Opening ceremonies at 8:30 AM will kick off the race beginning at 8:40AM and will last until 4PM. The race will pick up on Sunday again at 8:30AM.
To help keep the event safe, Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop F has put in a no wake and idle speed restriction protocols during race times.
The rules set by the department will stretch from the 31.5 mile mark to the 26 mile mark on the Osage Arm and will begin again Sunday at 8 AM and remain effective one hour after the final race of the day.
The event brings in thousands of spectators and race participants each year and Troop F's Commanding Officer Jason Crites is encouraging extra caution during the race.He also says boaters should expect congestion in the area and around the race course.
Troopers and event staff members will be present during the boat race to aid boaters in navigating around the course and finding safe places to watch from.
Troop F is requesting that all participants in the event report all impaired boat operators to them directly.
According to Troop F's incident report from last years race, four boating incidents were reported with one being fatal.
According to the races website, last years charity shootout raised $635,000 for 32 charities and eight fire departments around the Lake of the Ozarks.
