National Safe Boating Week at Lake of the Ozarks

Before Memorial Day weekend brings heavy traffic to the water, National Safe Boating Week gives you time to get dialed in at Lake of the Ozarks. You will find community outreach and hands-on education at launch points around Osage Beach and across the wider Missouri lake region, with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and local partners offering free vessel safety checks so your gear is ready for peak season.

Expect casual, dockside programming at popular marinas and public ramps, where certified examiners review life jackets, fire extinguishers, and sound-producing devices with no risk of citations. You may also see signature moments like Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day, plus up-to-date guidance on local regulations and handling the lake’s chop, often with support from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the National Safe Boating Council.

To make the most of it, arrive early before ramp lines and heat build, and plan about 15 to 30 minutes for a check. If you pass, you receive a seasonal decal that signals compliance to law enforcement. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and plenty of water, use the Coast Guard Boating Safety app to file a float plan, and if your preferred launch is crowded, ask nearby marinas about walk-in checks offered throughout the week.

For convenient access, book lodging in Osage Beach or Lake Ozark, both keep you close to the busiest marinas and event activity. If you want more space before the holiday rush, we suggest browsing regional rentals through Lake.com for a quiet cove or a home with a private slip. If your boat does not pass, you are not fined or reported, you receive a written list of fixes, and checks commonly cover powerboats, personal watercraft, and paddle craft, usually on a first-come basis with options to request a private dock visit through the Coast Guard Auxiliary.