Illinois authorities are sounding the alarm after 63 boating accidents and 15 fatalities were reported in 2024. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Police is emphasizing the importance of life jackets and sober boating. Free safety courses are offered throughout the state to help prevent further tragedies. Officials remind residents that anyone born after January 1, 1998, must have a Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat. As summer recreational activities ramp up, the call to stay safe and responsible on the water takes on new urgency. More information is available through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
“As the boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, reminds all waterway enthusiasts that safety is a shared responsibility. Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,” said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. “Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences for all who enjoy the state’s waterways.”
“Safety should be the first priority of those enjoying Illinois waterways this summer,” said Cody Gray, safety education program administrator for IDNR. “IDNR’s mandatory boating safety classes are free and offered most weekends during the summer at multiple locations across the state.”
