(KMOX) - With the heat of the summer upon us, it's officially floating season in Missouri and the State Highway Patrol recently shared its river rules that everyone needs to know. It includes laws on alcohol, drugs, trash and trespassing.
Before you head to one of the many great rivers to float in Missouri, make sure you know these rules:
Life jackets
Anyone under 7-years-old needs to wear a life jacket while on any watercraft in the water. It must be one approved by the United States Coast Guard.
Alcohol
No "beer bongs" or drinking device used to consume alcohol are allowed – that means no "funnels, tubes, hoses, and modified containers with additional vents." That would also include shotgunning a beer can.
Large-volume alcohol containers – anything that holds more than four gallons of alcohol – are also prohibited.
As per state, federal and local laws, no one under the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol on the water. It's a misdemeanor penatly if anyone under 21 is visible intoxicated or has a detectable blood alcohol content of more than .02%.
Illegal drugs
The Missouri State Highway Patrol has a zero-tolerance approach to illegal drug use on the roads and in the water. Depending on the type and amount of the controlled substance in your possession, the penalty class could either be a misdemeanor or felony.
Follow No Trespassing signs
Many of Missouri's rivers flow through areas next to privately owned land, be conscious of which areas are state-owned and which properties are owned by private citizens. Posting may be accomplished by appropriate signage, or by placing identifying purple marks on trees or posts around the private area.
Sexual misconduct
Sexual misconduct of any kind is not be tolerated on Missouri’s waterways. Improperly exposing yourself, or conducting yourself in violation of state sexual misconduct laws would be a misdemeanor, although other more serious violations could be considered a felony.
What to pack and how to pack it
You don't want to overpack and risk tipping over or sinking your raft, canoe, kayak or tube. If you're bringing a cooler, icebox or foodstuffs there are a few rules you need to know:
• Ensure the container is sealed to prevent the contents from spilling into the water.
• Affix to the vessel a container or bag, capable of being securely closed, to contain their trash.
• Transport all of their trash to a place where the materials may be disposed of safely and lawfully.
• Safely secure any glass containers (foodstuffs) to prevent breaking or falling overboard
And no glass drink containers are allowed.
Don't leave trash
If everyone does their part and picks up after themselves Missouri’s waterways will be a beautiful source of recreation for decades to come. Take your trash with you after your float. Don’t litter!
Other safety tips
• Wear plenty of sunscreen – and bring extra.
• Wear water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky banks and bottoms of rivers.
• Pair less-experiences floaters in boats with better paddler/floaters.
• If you capsize, hold onto your craft and move immediately to the upstream side to avoid being trapped between the boat and an obstacle. Float on your back, feet together and pointed downstream. Gradually work your way to the shore. Release your craft only if it improves your safety.
• Tie all your gear into the boat, but never yourself, children, or pets
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