IDNR Conservation Police help prepare public for boating season with courtesy boat inspections
No tickets will be issued during voluntary boat inspections

[May 15, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD – On Friday, May 16, Illinois Conservation Police (CPOs) will be at locations throughout the state performing courtesy boat inspections to help prepare boat owners for the 2014 season. CPOs will not write tickets during the free safety checks on that day, but will go through a safety checklist that will include working life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights and battery covers. Officers will also be available to answer any questions about boat registrations and titles or water usage stamps. National Safe Boating Week runs May 17-23, 2014.

The IDNR will offer courtesy boat inspections at the times and locations below on Friday May 16:

Northeast Illinois
Friday, May 16 - 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Chicago, IL – Lake Michigan – 31st Street Harbor
Winthrop Harbor, IL – Lake Michigan - North Point Marina Boat Ramp
Spring Grove, IL - Chain O' Lakes – Chain O’ Lakes State Park Boat Ramp

Northwest Illinois
Friday, May 16 - 12:00 -3:00 p.m.
Rock Island, IL - Sunset Marina - North Ramps

Central Illinois
Friday, May 16 - 3:00 -7:00 p.m.
Clinton, IL - Clinton Lake – Mascoutin Boat Ramp
East Peoria, IL – Illinois River - Spindler Marina Boat Ramps
Springfield, IL - Lake Springfield – Lindsay Boat Launch (2-7 p.m.)

Southern Illinois
Friday, May 16, 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Kinmundy, IL - Stephen A. Forbes State Park Lake – Main Boat Ramp
Murphysboro, IL - Kinkaid Lake – Mt. Joy Boat Launch
Carlyle, IL - Carlyle Lake – Keyesport Boat Ramp

[Text received; CHRIS YOUNG, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES]