Safety is a priority at 2024 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Offshore
SUNRISE BEACH, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Lake of the Ozarks is playing host to the 2024 Shootout Offshore Boat Race this weekend, drawing thousands of people to the lake area.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol released a statement this week acknowledging traffic delays the event might cause and advised boaters in the area to expect some inconveniences, despite efforts to minimize disruptions.
The boat show features professional racers, and while it’s thrilling, one volunteer said accidents can occur.
"You've seen some accidents. It gets kind of exciting and harrowing, but there's a lot of great volunteers out there," said Stacy Pyrtle, a volunteer at Magic Dragon Trails. "The Missouri State Patrol is out there, a water patrol, so everybody gets taken care of, including fire boats. So they've got a lot of precautions in place."
Shootout Hall of Famer Mark Maasen added racers must pass a dunk test, which includes simulator testing, before competing.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, no boating or drowning accidents have been reported as of Saturday afternoon.
Along with entertainment, events like this also significantly boost the local economy.
Maasen said he expects this weekend's events, along with the Shootout later this summer, to bring in around $700,000 to $800,000 for the community.
Maasen said this financial boost significantly aids the community, highlighting both the blessings and challenges of being a water-based community.
"You get just a mile off the shore on back in those, and the poverty gets pretty big quickly," Maasen said. "It is a community that, we're seasonal. So, you just don't get that year-end income."
Pyrtle said money in years past has gone to first responders and other worthy causes in the lake area.
"They gave over half a million dollars last year to nonprofits around the lake area from fire departments, ambulance districts, and a lot of different charities that work," Pyrtle said.
Looking ahead, the Shootout will take place August 24-25, following another week-long event filled with street parties and boat races.
