As Memorial Day weekend approaches and boating activity increases across Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Illinois Conservation Police are urging all boaters to wear life jackets and operate watercraft only while sober. The warning comes as part of National Safe Boating Week, observed May 16-22, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of safety on the water.
“As boating season gets underway, IDNR’s Office of Law Enforcement reminds everyone that protecting safety on the water is a community effort. Everyone who heads out on Illinois waters has a part to play in maintaining a safe, enjoyable environment for all,” said Jed Whitchurch, director of the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement.
Whitchurch stressed that knowing and following boating laws—including navigation rules, required safety equipment, and respect for no-wake zones—is crucial for a positive experience on the water. Staying updated on weather conditions is also essential.
According to the Illinois Conservation Police, 2025 saw 81 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters, resulting in 12 fatalities and 37 injuries. The previous year, there were 63 accidents, 15 fatalities, and 32 injuries. Most boating accidents occur between noon and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays between June and August, often involving operators between the ages of 20 and 40 with significant experience but limited formal boating safety instruction.
To help prevent accidents, IDNR offers free boating safety courses covering boating laws, regulations, and safe operation. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, is required to complete a course and carry a valid Boating Safety Certificate to operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower.
Conservation Police will be actively monitoring waterways throughout the holiday weekend, with a focus on identifying and arresting operators under the influence. In 2025, officers arrested 72 Illinois boaters for operating under the influence (OUI). Of the 12 boating-related fatalities last year, seven involved alcohol or drug impairment.
State law requires a properly fitting life jacket for everyone aboard, and mandates that all operators and passengers wear them when on personal watercraft or jet skis. “Wearing a life jacket is the single most important action boaters and paddlers can take to ensure their safety and the safety of others on board,” Whitchurch emphasized.
For more information on boating safety or to sign up for a free course, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.