Lake of the Ozarks officials remind boaters to ‘put safety first’ for the holiday weekend

CAMNDENTON, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Fourth of July is expected to attract large crowds to the Lake of the Ozarks area.

In a news release Monday, the Lake of the Ozark's Water Safety Council reminded those who plan to be out on the water during the holiday weekend to "make preparations to stay on the water by putting safety first."

Among the things the council stressed is boating sober. It's illegal in Missouri to operate a boat with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.08%.

Boating while intoxicated is a Class B misdemeanor in Missouri and is punishable with up to six months in jail and a maximum of $1,000 in fines.

Other rules for safe boating include:

• Be prepared with the right life jackets – Life jackets must always be the appropriate type for the user’s weight and size. A life jacket must always be worn by anyone on a personal watercraft. Any boat 16 feet long or longer must have a readily accessible and appropriate jacket for each occupant and it is important to have a throwable device.
• Have a sound-producing device – The device could be as simple as a whistle or horn.
• Working navigation lights.
• Carry up-to-date fire extinguishers – Boats are required to carry one or more appropriate fire
  extinguishers with a manufacturer date that is under 12 years.
• Know the rules of boating - If overtaking another boat, the boat being passed has the right-of-way so stay clear. When meeting head-on, keep to the right. Always be prepared to yield in a dangerous situation.

Check back for updates to this developing story.