Memorial Day is expected to be a busy boating day in Missouri

Tomorrow’s Memorial Day will likely be this Holiday weekend’s biggest boating day, but statistics show, it could be dangerous.

Already last night, there was a boating crash at the Lake of the Ozarks that has left one in critical condition and one arrested for boating while intoxicated.

Margaret Hemsath and her family, who own a place and boat often at the Lake of the Ozarks, said they will not be boating tomorrow. She said it’s too dangerous.

“I know everyone’s going to go out there, drink, party, have a good time,” said Hemsath.

She said she has seen too many accidents.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, last year, over Memorial Day weekend, there were fifteen crashes, seven injured, one fatality, and two others drowned.

Hemsath said too many people forget the importance of a designated boat driver.

“Have a designated driver just like we do on the Highway,” said Hemsath.

According to the M.S.H.P., troopers arrested twenty people for boating while intoxicated in 2017.

Data from the U.S. Coast Guard said alcohol use was the leading cause of death for boaters in 2016.

Troopers do have some suggestions to keep yourself safe tomorrow.

They said to never ride with an impaired boat operator, wear a life jacket, obey boating laws and be courteous.

M.S.H.P. said troopers will be enforcing laws and providing assistance tomorrow.