The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding boaters about the vital importance of playing it safe when out on the water. IDNR Conservation Police Officers (CPOs) will be out in full force this holiday weekend as they extend Operation Dry Water through the 4th of July weekend.

“Boating can be a safe and enjoyable activity as long as it’s done cautiously and correctly,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller.  “We want everyone to enjoy Illinois waters safely and responsibly this holiday weekend.”

Twenty people have died in boating-related accidents on Illinois waters so far this Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) (October 2008 – September 2009).  Six of those have died since Memorial Day Weekend.

“Accidents and fatalities on Illinois waters usually come down to a couple of things- people not wearing their life jackets or people who operate carelessly or recklessly,” said IDNR Chief of Law Enforcement Rafael Gutierrez. “We cannot stress enough how important it is to wear your life jacket and to have a designated driver onboard.”

“We have already seen an increase in the number of boating fatalities this FFY compared to last FFY, said IDNR Illinois Boating Law Administrator Joe Morelock. “Our officers would like to see a holiday weekend without any fatalities; unfortunately statistics show that’s unlikely. We hope that each individual does his or her part to make wise decisions and keep themselves and others safe and alive this weekend.”

IDNR wants everyone to return from the water safely this weekend. By practicing a few simple precautions, you can minimize your chances of becoming an unfortunate statistic.

• Always wear a personal floatation device. Nearly 80 percent of the lives lost in Illinois boating accidents could have been prevented if the person had been wearing a personal floatation device.
• Let someone know your plans before you leave.

• Take an Illinois Boating Safety Education Course. Each of us—young and old, novice and experienced—has the responsibility to keep this lifetime leisure activity free from tragedy and personal loss. For information on upcoming courses, visit dnr.state.il.us/safety/boat.htm.
• Know your limitations and don’t boat in conditions you aren’t comfortable with.

• Do not operate any watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Stay alert and mindful of potential dangerous situations. Do not boat or wade immediately above- or below-stream of low-head or run-of-the-river dams.

The following are statistics gathered from the IDNR Office of Law Enforcement:

• 20 people have died on Illinois waterways this Federal Fiscal Year (FFY)

• 10 of those deaths could have possibly been prevented with a life jacket

• In 5 of those deaths, alcohol was a contributing factor

• 13 people died in boating related accidents in FFY 2008

• 1 person died last 4th of July Weekend (July 4- 6 2008)

For more information about boating safety, please visit the IDNR website at dnr.state.il.us and click on “boating”.