Illinois officials remind boaters to practice safety           

[JULY 1, 2005]  The July 4 holiday is one of the busiest weekends on Illinois waterways. Most boating accidents can be attributed to reckless boating, operating under the influence of alcohol or not wearing a life jacket.

• In 2004, 18 people died in boating accidents.
• In Illinois, 15 of the 18 victims might have survived if they had worn a life jacket.
• Most accidents involve boat operators between the ages of 20 and 40 with more than 100 hours of boating experience.
• Most accidents involve open motorboats cruising in a reckless manner.