FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 19, 2026

For More Information Contact:
Travis Gregory
Deputy Fire Chief
660.665.3734

Helpful tips for safe boating this summer

(Kirksville, MO) - National Safe Boating Week is observed from May 16-22, 2026. Memorial Day is right around the corner, and people are planning to hit the water. The Kirksville Fire Department has a few tips to help people stay safe when boating this summer.

Wear a life jacket

Incidents on the water can happen much too fast to put on a stowed life jacket. According to recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, drowning is the reported cause of death in 76 percent of all boating fatalities, and 87 percent of those individuals weren’t wearing a life jacket. Missouri requires all vessels to have at least one USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board.

Take a boating safety course

Missouri requires all motorized boat and personal watercraft operators born after January 1, 1984, to pass a boater safety course. Learn about classes offered by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/WP02Web/app/safetyEdClasses. There are also online programs, such as https://www.boat-ed.com/missouri/. 

Make sure your boat is prepared

There are many items on a boat that need to be checked. Highway Patrol offers boat inspections around the state, or you can schedule one with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

File a float plan

File a float plan with someone you trust on shore that includes details about the trip, boat, persons, towing or trailer vehicle, communication equipment, and emergency contacts.

Know the weather

Know the latest marine weather forecast before going out, and keep a regular check for changing conditions. Learn your route in advance, especially potential hazards. Know where to go in case of an emergency.

Always follow navigation rules

Know the “Rules of the Road,” such as safe speed, crossing, meeting head-on, and overtaking. Know what’s going on around you at all times, and always travel at safe speeds for the environment.

Be a sober skipper

Missouri law prohibits operating a vessel while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.

Stay in touch

Communication devices can be the most important piece of emergency equipment on a vessel, especially in case of an emergency. Be sure to have at least two communication devices that work when wet, such as satellite phones, cell phones with GPS technology, emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), VHF radios, and personal locator beacons (PLBs).

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