Missouri State Highway Patrol says you should plan ahead for your holiday weekend

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Lake of the Ozark's is busy this holiday weekend and the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that they have been responding to quite a few calls.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper, Brian Geier, said that they have quite a few calls for careless boating, stranded boats, and theft.

"We are getting called for various complaints, water craft complaints, and we check those out as best as we can, also dealing with medical calls, and a handful of boat crashes," Geier said.

Geier also said that boaters heading out this weekend should plan ahead and never drink and operate a boat.

"We also ask that if you are going to be drinking, have a sober operator, we enforce boating while intoxicated very heavily, if you are out and you are intoxicated, then you can expect to get arrested and go to jail," said Geier.

If you are planning on spending the weekend at the lake, you should make sure you have everything you need. You are required to have a boating license to operate a water craft, and be at least 14 years or older.

All boats are also required to have a life vest for every person on the boat, but only children seven years or younger are required to wear one at all times.

"If you are coming to the Lake of the Ozark, expect heavy traffic, expect it to be congested, and expect it to be rough," Geier said. "If you are coming out on the water, make sure you have plenty of drinks, shades, sunscreen, and enjoy the lake!"

If you are out on the lake and need emergency help, the Missouri State Highway Patrol says that you can call 911, or #55 to call them directly.