NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard is working closely with local and state partners Labor Day weekend to ensure the boating public on the Lake of the Ozarks stays safe by increasing security patrols and promoting recreational boating safety.

"We will have at least two 23-foot boat crews including the Boating Safety and Security Team working along with the Missouri State Water patrol on the water" said Lt. j.g. Christian Barger, Marine Investigator Sector Upper Mississippi River. "In addition, we are going to have two Investigating Officers along the docks to respond if there is an incident."

According to the Kevin Kelly, the Coast Guard Eighth District Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, the Lake of the Ozarks is the most dangerous lake in the Eighth District.

Boating statistics as of Jan. 1, 2006, for Lake of the Ozarks:

• Accidents - 59
• Fatalities - 10
• Injuries - 30
• BUI Arrests - 151 out of 212 for the whole state.

Ninety percent of boaters who drowned in 2004 were not wearing life jackets. The National Safe Boating Campaign hopes to reverse this trend by raising boater awareness of advances in modern life jackets. To enjoy a safe day on the water, boaters and paddlers should:

• Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, especially on children and weak swimmers
• Be aware of weather and water conditions
• Never boat or paddle alone
• File a float plan to let others know where you are going, and make sure they know what to do and who to call if you fail to return on time
• Be cautious - do not exceed your ability to handle your vessel
• Know that alcohol and drugs contribute to accidents
• Be constantly aware of other vessels in the immediate area
• Carry a VHF radio

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that all boaters and paddlers utilize the off-season lull to take a recreational boating safety course to enhance their navigational skills. Courses are offered either through their respective state, with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the U.S. Power Squadrons, both of which can be accessed through http://uscgaux.org/ or http://usps.org/. Additional course information is available through the BOAT/U.S. Foundation at 1-800-336-BOAT.

For additional boating safety tips, boaters can access the Coast Guard's Boating Safety Web site at http://www.uscgboating.org/.

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