DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Boating season is about to make a big splash as we enter the summer months. The Illinois Conservation Police urge people to make sure their boats have life jackets and you are not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Conservation Police will strictly enforce boating safety laws regarding people operating under the influence (OUI). The legal limit is .08 and it is legal for you to consume alcohol while on a boat.
In 2024, Illinois Conservation Police arrested 84 boaters for OUI, an 11% increase from 2023. There were 15 boating-related fatalities in Illinois in 2024. Four of those were OUI related.
Life jackets are required on boats. You do not have to wear one while boating although it is suggested you do so. You will need one life jacket for everyone on board your craft.
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