Kids “otter” wear a life jacket to score a free T-shirt on the Lake

Ameren Missouri launches annual water safety promotion and shares dock safety tips to kick off summer

Key Takeaways:

• Ameren Missouri actively manages 1,150 miles of Lake of the Ozarks shoreline as the operator of the Bagnell Dam and Osage Energy Center.
• This year's life jacket promotion aims to reinforce safe boating habits that save lives.
• Ameren Missouri reminds boaters to also inspect docks and follow dock safety procedures before hitting the lake this summer.

LAKE OZARK, Mo. (May 20, 2026) - Starting Memorial Day weekend, kids wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on the lake could score a newly designed T-shirt, courtesy of Ameren Missouri. Featuring an otter floating on its back while properly wearing a life jacket, it's an adorable but timely reminder to keep water safety top of mind.

Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol's (MSHP) water patrol division will hand out the free shirts during routine safety checks and courtesy stops. The giveaway, which runs all summer long, supports Ameren Missouri's focus on shoreline safety.

"Many people don't realize that Ameren Missouri manages 1,150 miles of Lake of the Ozarks shoreline as part of the operation of Bagnell Dam and the Osage Energy Center," said Bryan Vance, manager of shoreline management at Ameren Missouri. "We want to make sure every lake visitor can enjoy the water as safely as possible. Our annual summer T-shirt giveaway is a fun way to remind everyone that wearing a life jacket is one of the simplest and best ways to prevent accidental drowning."

The U.S. Coast Guard reports that drowning caused 76% of the 556 fatal boating accidents in 2024. In 87% of those cases, the victim wasn't wearing a life jacket.

"Water safety reminders are especially important on high-traffic weekends like Memorial Day, when people who may be less familiar with the lake come to visit," said Captain Mike Petlansky, MSHP water patrol division director. "Missouri law requires children under seven to wear a life jacket while boating, and we encourage all boaters, regardless of age, to do the same."

In addition to wearing life jackets while boating and in the water, the Coast Guard also recommends that children wear them on docks and when near the shoreline. To check the fit, tighten all straps and lift the jacket from the shoulders. If it hits the top of the child's ears, it's too big. Remember that life jackets should never replace adult supervision.

Beyond water safety, Ameren Missouri also cautions people to follow safe electrical procedures around docks:

• Continually inspect docks: Water movement and freeze-thaw cycles can wear down dock electrical systems. Regularly test GFCIs (the safety outlets with test and reset buttons) and bonding wires monthly and have a qualified electrician inspect the dock and power supply regularly.
• Fix problems first: Never energize or reenergize, engage a breaker or reset a GFCI while someone is swimming near the dock. Get the dock inspected and fixed first.
• Feel a shock, swim away from the dock: Don't swim near docks where breakers or GFCIs are tripping. If you feel a tingle or shock, don't touch the dock-swim away from cables and attachments and exit the water from the shoreline if possible.

Ameren Missouri's Shoreline Management Office issues dock permits, oversees shoreline stabilization and maintains signage around Bagnell Dam. The office also provides updates on Lake of the Ozarks water levels at AmerenMissouri.com/Lake.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.