Boating is clearly a very popular activity at the Lake of the Ozarks. Every summer we have thousands of tourists venture here from all over the country to enjoy some fun in the sun while boating on the lake. While boating can be quite enjoyable, it can also be very dangerous if the boaters aren’t paying attention or boating recklessly. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2017 alone, there were 23 boating/drowning incidents reported in Camden County. If you have been injured in a boating accident, it is important that you seek the legal help of experienced boating accident lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks as soon as possible. Keep reading for some boating safety tips, information on the boating accident lawyers at Deputy & Mizell, and the types of boating accidents we handle.
Boating Safety Tips
Check out the following safety tips you should follow when boating at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Boating Safety Tip # 1
Be Weather Conscious
Look at the weather forecast before heading out on the lake. If it looks like there may be a storm coming, don’t risk it and boat another day. Have a good weather app on your phone so that you can monitor the weather and take cover if dangerous storms are heading your way.
Boating Safety Tip # 2
Consider a FREE boat safety check.
The U.S. Coast Guard provides free vessel safety checks to those who request it. Doing this can help you make sure you have everything on your boat that is legally required. Here is a link to the U.S. Coast Guard website that has a list of all of the safety items you need to carry on your boat. If you are stopped by the Coast Guard, they may ask to see these items.
Boating Safety Tip # 3
Have a sober captain.
Boating while drinking can lead to serious legal offenses, such as a BWI (Boating While Intoxicated) or wrecking your boat and hurting someone. Bottom line, it’s not worth it to drink and boat…it could cost you a lot of money and jail time if you hurt someone on your boat or other boaters.
Boating Safety Tip # 4
Designate a boating captain “back-up.”
If something happens to the boat captain, whether they become intoxicated, injured, or incapacitated, it’s important someone else on board knows how to operate the boat and get everyone back to shore safely. Make sure your back up can dock the boat, knows basic waterway rules, and knows where all safety equipment is located.
Boating Safety Tip # 5
If you are a boating beginner, consider taking a boating course.
Educate yourself on the in’s and out’s of boating at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here are a couple of resources for you to check out.
https://www.boat-ed.com/missouri/
Boating Accident Lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks
At the law office of Deputy & Mizell, L.L.C., we represent individuals who have been injured in boating accidents in the Lake of the Ozarks region. We have offices in Lebanon and Camdenton and represent people in Sunrise Beach, Lowry, Lake Ozark and other towns throughout the region.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region
Lebanon: 417-532-2191 Facebook
Camdenton: 573-346-9990 Twitter
Eldon: 573-227-3788 Google+
