Stay Sober, Wear Life Jackets While Boating In Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Conservation Police officers have a few safety reminders for all boaters and boat operators as the state's busiest boating season kicks off with Memorial Day weekend. While you enjoy this weekend and the next few warmer months on the water, IDNR officials reminds boaters to wear life jackets and for boat operators to stay sober. With National Safe Boating Week taking place through May 25, it's the perfect time for officials to encourage all water-goers to stay safe.

“Wearing a life jacket can save your life, and just like being sober while driving your truck or car to the boat ramp, it is against the law to drive or operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Illinois Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez, in a release. “Our Conservation Police Officers will be patrolling Illinois waterways all summer long to encourage boaters to stay safe and enjoy their time on the water.”

If you're not following Illinois boating safety laws and/or are operating under the influence, officers will issue citations, warnings and even make arrests.

Officials say according to statistics compiled by the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement, there were 80 boating-related accidents in Illinois in 2017 resulting in 48 injuries and 12 fatalities.

If that isn't enough, IDNR statistics show that 10 of the 12 people who died in boating accidents last year may have survived if they had worn a life jacket or other personal flotation device (PFD), as three of the 12 boating-related deaths involved alcohol or drug impairment.

According to a release, CPOs issued 1,355 citations and 4,866 warnings to enforce boating safety laws and made 145 arrests for boaters OUI in 2017.

Want to make sure the boat or watercraft you're in or operating has sufficient life-saving gear? IDNR says Illinois law requires:

• That properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs (life jackets or life vests) be available for each person aboard.
• Anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property.

For more regulations, including boating certificates, licenses and free safety courses, visit dnr.illinois.gov.

National Safe Boating Campaign info. is available at safeboatingcampaign.com.

Image via Renee Shiavone