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Dear Editor: Summer is under way in the Prairie State, and while
we are enthusiastic about the tens of millions of visitors who will
journey out to our state parks and enjoy time out on the water, we
hope visitors are just as enthusiastic about their safety.
Last year, 17 people died and 66 other people were injured in
boating-related accidents on Illinois waters. There were a total of
78 boating accidents involving 118 watercraft last year. While the
number of boating-related accidents has decreased since 2005, people
are dying preventable deaths each year.
Accident reports indicate that of the 17 people who died in
Illinois boating accidents in 2006, 11 may have survived had they
been wearing a life jacket. In those fatal accidents, all 17 people
who died were on boats in which the boat operators either had not
taken or it was not known whether they had taken a formal boat
safety education course. Nationwide, nearly 90 percent of all
reported fatalities on boats involved boat operators who had not
received boating safety instruction.
[to top of second column in this letter]
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 The Illinois Department of Natural Resources offers free boating
safety education courses statewide. The courses are taught by
certified, volunteer safety instructors, and the techniques that are
taught are potentially lifesaving. Youngsters between 12 and 18
years of age who wish to operate a motorized watercraft by
themselves are required by law to possess a boating safety
certificate.
With so many people out on the water, the summer can be a
dangerous time if safety is not a priority. I encourage individuals
who plan on drinking to do so responsibly; people should always wear
a life jacket; and boaters and anglers alike are reminded to be
attentive while on the water. These simple steps can help reduce the
risk of accident or serious injury and help everyone to have a great
summer.
Sincerely,
Sam Flood
Acting Director
Illinois Department of Natural
Resources
[Posted
June 28, 2007]
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