Boat Smart Table Rock Lake
The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce presents the Boat Smart Table Rock Lake initiative. The mission of the initiative is to promote three core elements to boaters navigating the waters of Table Rock Lake. Those three core elements are Safe Boating, Clean Water, and Fun & Adventure. Boat Smart is more than just safe boating rules, but also how to fully enjoy the lake by being courteous to one another!
Are you new to boating at Table Rock Lake? Welcome! We hope you have a great time enjoying our beautiful area. In addition to fun, we want you and your fellow lake goers to have a safe time. Which is where Boat Smart comes in. Please take some time to become acquainted with the rules and etiquette of the water.
What Every Boater Needs to Know
It’s The Law
Missouri’s Boater Education Law went into effect January 1, 2005. The law states that any person born after January 1, 1984, must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating any motorized vessel on the lakes in Missouri.
Safety First
Missouri law also requires each vessel to have one appropriately sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD) for each passenger on board. Nine out of ten drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. We recommend that boaters wear a life jacket at all times while underway. Children under seven years old are required by law to wear a PFD while aboard any vessel, unless they are in a totally enclosed cabin, such as on a houseboat.
Another required piece of boating safety equipment on every vessel 16 feet or longer is a throwable personal flotation device, such as a seat cushion or a ring buoy.
What Do I Do with This Orange Flag?
Perhaps the most often misused accoutrement found on boats at Table Rock Lake is the orange (or red) flag. State law requires that operators of a motorboat (other than a PWC) on the waters of Missouri lakes between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and sunset must clearly display a red or orange flag whenever a person enters the water before or after being towed on water skis or other similar devices. A common mistake is for boaters to fly the flag as they are actively towing a water skier or tubers. PWC and moored or anchored motorboats are exempt from displaying the skier-down flag. Vessel operators must not operate within 50 yards of a displayed skier down flag.
Speed Limits
When the Sun Goes Down Given the dangers of the vast and complex Table Rock Lake waterway, you should slow down at night. On Missouri’s biggest reservoirs, including Table Rock Lake, the speed limit is 30 miles per hour from a half-hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise. Always keep your vessel’s lights in working order and check them before navigating at night. The law requires a 360-degree white stern light and a red and green light on the bow.
No Wake Buoys
No Wake Idle Speed Buoys are the most common buoys you will see on Table Rock Lake… and the warnings should be adhered to, no exceptions. Wherever you are on the lake, always own your wake!
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS)
- Have onboard one PFD per passenger
- Have onboard a throwable device (for vessels larger than 16 ft.)
SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
- Have onboard a horn that can emit a four-second blast audible for 1/2 mile
- Bring a spare can of Marine Air Horn
- Attach a whistle to each PFD
LIGHTS YOU NEED
- Test navigation lights
- Check instrument lights
- Bring a flashlight and spare batteries
DISTRESS SIGNALS
- Ensure that flares, day signals, etc., are accessible and stored in a dry location
- Discuss location, proper use
- Carry VHF Marine Radio for distress calls
TOOLS & SPARES
- Be sure to have a basic toolbox with boat-appropriate tools, plugs, fuses, etc.
FUEL & OIL
- Check fuel levels
- Check the engine oil and coolant levels
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
- Make sure you have a fully charged, accessible fire extinguisher(s) as specified in Coast Guard rules
- Discuss location with passengers
VENTILATION
- On any powered vessel or using LPG, check that interior spaces are ventilated
- If you smell fuel before ventilating, run blowers before starting
- If odors persist, shut down the engine and look for the source of the leak
BILGES
- Ensure bilges are reasonably dry and pumps are not running excessively
- Clean any spilled oil or waste in bilges to prevent overboard discharge
WEATHER FORECAST
- Check weather forecast before departure
- Have portable weather radio onboard for weather updates
BATTERY CARE
- For dual charging systems, check that selector switch is in the proper position
- Ensure power is on to the entire vessel
- Bring spare batteries for handheld radio, flashlight, portable navigational aid, etc.
- Ensure all batteries are charged
DOCKING & ANCHORING TIPS
- Be sure to have one anchor prepared
- Bring two or three extra dock lines
- Visually inspect lines for chafe or wear
- Bring fenders (minimum 2) for docking
RULES & DOCUMENTATION
- Bring vessel’s papers, fishing permit, etc.
- Bring chart(s) for the area you intend to cruise, preferably electronic GPS
Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol: 800-525-5555 or *55 (Cell)
National Weather Service: 417-863-8028
Sea Tow Table Rock Lake: 417-332-2211
TowBoatUS Table Rock Lake: 417-559-8393
Boat Smart Table Rock Lake Publication (link pending)
Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol  CLICK HERE
Missouri Boating Laws & Responsibilities CLICK HERE
Missouri Boater Certification Card  CLICK HERE
National Safe Boating Council CLICK HERE
National Weather Service Local Forecast  CLICK HERE
Table Rock Lake Regatta Permit  CLICK HERE
Free U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Inspection CLICK HERE
Download Free Float Plan Template CLICK HERE
Take The Wear It Pledge  CLICK HERE
Boat Smart Table Rock Lake Partners
