Boating

by Doug Beck

Tips for fall boating

Fall is finally upon us and while you may be sad to see the summer boating season go, boating in the fall has many advantages. Fewer people are on the water and temperatures are a bit cooler, giving you the opportunity to have a peaceful trip out on the water that you wouldn’t normally get to experience during the prime summer boating months.

If you plan to head out, read on to learn some of the advantages of fall boating and get tips for this boating season as well. Fall offers many of the same advantages to boaters as spring does. Less congested waterways, boat ramps, and fuel docks, and so on. But boating into the fall offers other benefits of its own.

Extended Quality Boating Time

By continuing to boat into the fall, you get more weeks or even months of quality boating time. You don’t have to feel compelled to take your boat out every weekend like you would during the summer months to get the most out of it, making for a more relaxed boating season. Boating into the fall also means enjoying trips in cooler, calmer conditions. No more sweltering heat to take the edge off the enjoyment, or worrying about violent thunderstorms and poor boating conditions typical of summer season.

Fall is the best season of all for fishing in some climates. Many species of fish take the onset of fall to migrate, and these migrations lead to rivers, bays and coastlines teeming with fish. Perhaps the best thing about boating in fall is the spectacular autumn scenery you get to enjoy. Trees turning to yellows, oranges and reds, and the calmer, flatter waters reflecting those colors create a blissful backdrop for boaters.

Be Prepared for Fall Boating

The extra precautions you should take when boating in the fall are pretty much the same as for boating during spring and during winter. Bring plenty of layers of clothing to keep warm if the temperature unexpectedly drops or if you’re out on your boat longer than expected and get exposed to colder evening weather. Wear a personal flotation device at all times, especially since falling overboard into cold autumn water can shock the body. A lifejacket or other PFD helps you remain afloat until you can be brought back onboard. Fewer boaters nearby also means less available help, so make sure you file a float plan. That way people on land can initiate a search if you don’t return on time.

Prep your Boat for Winterization

Fall is a good time to prepare your boat for winter storage. Take advantage of the cooler weather to winterize your boat if you haven’t already. An oil change, new spark plugs, inspecting the cooling system and replacing worn anodes are all maintenance tasks you need to get done before putting your boat away for the off-season.

Doug Beck is a certified National Safe Boating Council instructor, the co-chair of Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council and president of the Captains Association of Missouri.

The Lake’s a great place to golf! To find out more about these local courses, go to www.golfingmissouri.com.

Cool fall temperatures make it the perfect time of year to get out on the course.

On 250 Acres of the Ozarks $3500 -$7500

Open if 40 degrees or higher temperature

Bear Creek Valley Golf Club

910 Hwy. 42, Kaiser 573-302-1000 www.bearcreekvalley.com

The Cove at the Lodge of Four Seasons

315 Four Seasons Dr., Lake Ozark 573-365-8532 www.4seasonsresort.com

Golf Club at Deer Chase

770 Deer Path Dr., Linn Creek 573-346-6117 www.deerchasegolf.com

Eldon Golf Club

35 Golf Course Rd., Eldon 573-392-4172 www.eldongolfclub.com

Indian Rock Golf Club

100 Indian Lake Ave., Gravois Mills 573-372-3023 www.indianrockgolfclub.com

Lake Valley Golf Club

367 C.C. Blair

Dr., Camdenton 573-346-7218 www.lakevalleygolf.com

The Oaks at Margaritaville

Lake Resort 1524 State Road KK,

Osage Beach 573-348-8522 www.tan-tar-a.com

Old Kinderhook

20 Eagle Ridge Rd., Camdenton 573-317-3573 www.oldkinderhook.com

Osage National Golf Resort

400 Osage Hills Rd., Lake Ozark 573-365-1950 www.osagenational.com

The Ridge at the Lodge of Four Seasons

170 Seasons Ridge Rd., Lake Ozark 573-365-8544 www.4seasonsresort.com

Rolling Hills Country Club

13986 Country Club Rd., Versailles 573-378-5109 www.playrollinghills.com

Porto Cima (private club)

133 Club House Drive, Sunrise Beach 573-207-8700 www.portocima.com

The Lake’s Most Scenic Golf Destination

FIND OUR BEST RATES AT DEERCHASEGOLF.COM $30 GOLF

18 Holes with Cart, tax included.

Valid Sun-Thursday after 1:00 PM. Expires 10/31/22.

573-346-6117

BOATING Auxiliary steps up efforts

Anyone who has boated the Lake of the Ozarks over the years will agree that larger boats, faster boats, inexperienced drivers and intoxicated drivers are on the water more than ever. Holiday weekends have become a time to stay at the dock for many boat owners.

According to David Kingsbury, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-6 Commander, the Lake of the Ozarks was listed as the third most dangerous Lake in the United States according to coast guard statistics for 2021. Kingsbury is working to change that ranking and reduce the number of incidents on our lake.

Flotilla 3-6, Kingsbury explained, is a voluntary component of the United States Coast Guard that serves the Lake of the Ozarks. The main mission of the organization is to promote and help ensure recreational boating safety. The organization assists the U.S. Coast Guard active duty with all missions except for law enforcement and direct military.

“We do search and rescue missions, report safety hazards and environmental concerns and address navigational aid issues,” Kingsbury said. “We offer boating classes to the public, provide safety literature to boat dealers and marinas and other duties related to recreational boating safety. We can radio the water patrol or coast guard to board a vessel if necessary.”

The auxiliary was active at the Lake in years past but saw a drastic decline in membership and activity due to the COVID pandemic. Kingsbury was elected commander last fall by the existing members effective Jan. 1. Since then, he has been working to create a presence and reminder of boating safety through events on and off the water.

“Last fall, we began attending public affairs events like expos and we’ve been working on training members who need to complete their qualifications,” he said. “We’re working to rebuild our capacity to conduct public safe boating classes and have an increased presence at major events on and off the water.” Courtesy vessel checks, he said, are also available to ensure boats meet safety standards. Kingsbury joined the auxiliary while living in Minnesota over 13 years ago. He was also an Army National Guard and Reservist for eight years. “I wanted to continue serving my country and the Coast Guard Auxiliary was a good option,” he explained. “It enables me to serve my country and help enforce safe boating at the same time.” Flotilla 3-6, Kingsbury said, is actively seeking new members. Those interested will complete a membership application, have a background check done and complete a series of initial online trainings to become basically qualified. Volunteers can then work on qualifications that make them eligible for mission opportunities. All training is free and is done at the same high standards as the U.S. Coast Guard. There are various levels of qualifications and opportunities, Kingsbury said. Members also have the option to have their boats outfitted as a facility, inspected and used for patrol. The U.S. Coast Guard reimburses for gas and provides a maintenance allowance. There is currently one boat available for use and the auxiliary is expecting more.

The three- to five- year stretch goal, Kingsbury said, is to have at least three boats on patrol and a Coast Guard Auxiliary Station at the Lake.

“We’d like to have auxiliarists on-site monitoring what’s happening at the Lake during set operating hours,” he said. “Ideally, we would have boats positioned at different parts of the Lake for faster response times. A presence on the water is important because it reminds people to boat safe.”

“We have a wide range of vessels on the water along with many rentals with inexperienced drivers,” Kingsbury said. “We want to talk to boaters about boating safety, do courtesy vessel checks and basically prevent as many boating instances as possible.”

For additional information, contact David Kingsbury at dkingsbury@flotilla3-6.org or 573-489-2419. Information is also available on the website www.join.cgaux.org.