Boaters Advised of Offshore Race Event at Lake of the Ozarks This Weekend

Osage Beach, Mo. (KFMO) - Boaters planning to visit Lake of the Ozarks this weekend are being advised to expect increased traffic and temporary navigation restrictions as an offshore boat racing event takes place June 13 and 14.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, racing activities will be held between the 0.0 and 3.2-mile markers on Lake of the Ozarks, with competition beginning at 8:45 a.m. each day. To ensure safety for participants and spectators, boating traffic in the area will be limited to idle speed and no-wake operation beginning at 8:30 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until approximately one hour after the final race concludes each day.

Officials say every effort will be made to minimize disruptions to normal boating traffic. However, boaters navigating near the race course should anticipate delays and congestion due to the large number of vessels expected in the area.

Event personnel will be stationed around the race course to help direct boaters and guide spectators to designated anchoring areas. Those planning to anchor near the event are encouraged to bring sufficient anchor line, as water depths in some locations may exceed 100 feet.

In addition to the offshore racing event, a personal watercraft race is scheduled for June 12 within a cove near the 0.2-mile marker of the Osage Arm. Organizers say that event will not affect navigation in the lake's main channel.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding all boaters to exercise caution, especially when departing the area after the races, when heavy boat traffic may create challenging conditions. Authorities also encourage the public to report any suspected impaired boat operators by contacting Troop F at 573-751-1000 or by dialing *55 from a cellular phone.