(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.)— The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging people to stay safe along rivers and streams after the recent heavy rain.

According to the National Weather Service, many area creeks and rivers are above flood stage, including the Missouri River in St. Joseph. 

Sergeant Jacob Angle, the Public Information and Education Officer for Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H, is urging people to stay safe if you are going to be on or near waterways.

"Let somebody know where you are going to be, what's going on," Angle said. "And make sure you have all of that equipment on the boat, or even if you are on the bank near the water, that you need that could potentially save your life."

The Missouri State Water Patrol requires one personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on vessels less than 16 feet in length and on any length canoe or kayak.

Angle said that if you do run into a dangerous situation on the water to call 9-1-1 immediately. 

With more rain in the forecast this week, water levels on area rivers and creeks are expected to remain high.

A Flood Warning remains in effect for the Missouri River in St. Joseph until Monday morning.