Can minors drive boats or jet skis on Missouri lakes? Here’s what state law says
Driving a boat is fun for all ages. Who doesn’t want to put on the proverbial captain’s hat and man the ship?
On the Lake of the Ozarks or Missouri rivers, young people often take the helms of motorboats and jet skis.
But a day on the lake can quickly turn dangerous. A 16-year-old died Saturday, June 21, on Table Rock Lake after a head-on jet ski collision, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol officials.
The Sedalia teen was operating a Sea-Doo jet ski in Clevenger Cove when he crashed into another Sea-Doo driven by a 19-year-old. The 16-year-old died on scene, while the driver of the other jet ski was uninjured.
Here is what you need to know about staying safe with children and boats in Missouri.
How old do you have to be to drive a jet ski or boat?
There is no minimum age to operate a boat or jet ski on Missouri waters. However, the Highway Patrol has two requirements for young mariners.
First, each boat operator in Missouri born after Jan. 1, 1984, must pass the Missouri boater education class or test to receive a boater identification card. Children should “be able to follow the course material and understand the content.” The classes are available online, and the ID card costs $15.
Second, kids younger than 14 must be accompanied on the boat or jet ski by an adult. Even then, the child needs to have a boater identification card.
What are the life jacket laws in Missouri?
All children 6 years old or younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved life vest while on a boat. The vessel should also have enough wearable personal flotation devices for each person aboard. The life jackets should be readily accessible and fit passengers’ size and weight.
Everyone on a jet ski, regardless of age, must wear a life jacket.
What should you do if you have an emergency on the lake?
If you need assistance while boating or swimming, the Highway Patrol says to call 911 or *55. Stay calm and tell the operator your location, vessel registration number, the kind of help you need and the nearest location to send an ambulance.
The Star’s Joseph Hernandez contributed to this report.
Have more questions about Missouri laws? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published June 24, 2025 at 1:27 PM.
