Boating, Paddling & Water Safety
Sharing the water — lake & river etiquette
The plain answer: good etiquette keeps the water safe and pleasant for everyone. A lake full of fast boats and a quiet float stream ask for different courtesies — here's how to be a good neighbor on each.
On the lake
Big, fast, busy water
- Own your wake — you're legally responsible for the damage or injury it causes. Go no-wake near docks, anchored boats, swimmers, anglers, paddlers, and the shoreline.
- Keep your distance and keep a lookout.
- Keep the noise down.
- Anchor and raft up considerately, leaving room for others.
On the river
Quiet, shared, fragile water
- Pack out all your trash — glass is prohibited on canoes, kayaks, and tubes, and please skip foam coolers (a courtesy, not a law).
- Share the gravel bars.
- Respect anglers and wildlife — give them room and keep the noise down.
- Help other floaters who are stuck or swamped.
- Respect private property along the banks — stream access lets you float, not trespass.
And everywhere, you respect the private property along the banks. Missouri's stream access lets you float and wade the river — it does not let you trespass up the bank or onto someone's land. Stay on the water and the gravel, and leave each place better than you found it.
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