How do most drownings happen on the Lake of the Ozarks?

Commonly a person enters the water — by swimming, a fall from a dock or boat, or going overboard — and does not resurface. Cold water below the surface, fatigue, alcohol, and the absence of a life jacket turn a recoverable situation into a fatal one.

What is the single best way to prevent drowning?

Wear a life jacket on the water. It keeps your head up if you are hurt, exhausted, or hit cold-water shock — the moments when strong swimmers drown. Then add the basics: never swim alone, watch children closely, and stay sober on the water.

What should I do if I see someone struggling in the water?

Reach or throw, don't go: extend a pole or arm, or throw a flotation device or line, rather than swimming out, which often leads to a double drowning. Call 911, and keep eyes on the person at all times.

Drowning Prevention on the Lake of the Ozarks

Drowning is the deadliest category in the Missouri State Highway Patrol record for the Lake of the Ozarks — 10 on record so far. Almost all of it is preventable. These are the steps that matter most.

Wear a life jacket — the one habit that saves the most lives

Most people who drown never planned to be in the water. A worn life jacket keeps your head up after a fall, a collision, or sudden cold-water shock, when even a strong swimmer can go under in seconds. Read more on what the data shows about life jackets.

Respect cold water below the surface

The lake is deep and stays cold beneath the warm top layer all summer. Sudden immersion can trigger an involuntary gasp and rapid loss of strength and coordination — cold-water shock — long before hypothermia. Don't judge the water by the air temperature.

Never swim alone, and keep children within reach

Open water has no lifeguards and no shallow end. Swim with others, stay within your depth and your ability, and keep young children in a life jacket and within arm's reach near the water — drownings of children are silent and fast.

Stay sober on the water

Sun, heat, and motion multiply the effects of alcohol, and impaired judgment and balance are recurring threads in boating-safety data. Designate a sober operator and pace yourself if you are swimming.

Mind currents near dams and structures

Water moving through dams, spillways, and other structures can create currents strong enough to trap even capable swimmers. Keep well clear of the dam, posted restricted areas, and any visibly moving water.

If someone is struggling: reach or throw, don't go

Extend a pole, paddle, or arm, or throw a life ring or line. Swimming out to a panicking person is how rescuers become victims. Call 911 and keep your eyes on them the entire time.

Counts are compiled from Missouri State Highway Patrol (Troop F) public reports for the Lake of the Ozarks and reflect the incidents the Patrol has published.