SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) — As Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of boating season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police are urging boaters to wear life jackets and stay sober on the water.
In 2025, there were 81 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters, resulting in 12 fatalities and 37 injuries. Seven of those fatalities involved alcohol or drug impairment, and conservation officers arrested 72 boaters for operating under the influence.
Statistics show most boating accidents occur between noon and 6 p.m. on weekends from June through August, typically involving experienced operators in open motorboats who have had little or no formal safety instruction.
“As boating season gets underway, IDNR’s Office of Law Enforcement reminds everyone that protecting safety on the water is a community effort,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement.
Illinois law requires an approved, properly fitted life jacket be available for every person on board. Children under 13 must wear one at all times while on deck or in an open watercraft. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1998, must also hold a valid Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat over 10 horsepower.
IDNR offers free boating safety courses taught by volunteer instructors throughout Illinois. Online courses are also available for a fee. More information can be found at dnr.illinois.gov.
