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Don’t Let a Drink Sink Your Day
[June 19, 2025]
As we enter the summer, the
Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) reminds Illinois boaters
to be responsible and understand the dangers associated with Boating
Under the Influence (BUI). Drinking while boating significantly
increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The ILCC
urges boaters to stay responsible and recognize the serious risks of
mixing alcohol with boating.
It is illegal to operate a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
of 0.08 or higher, or while under the influence of drugs. The ILCC
strongly encourages Illinoisans to avoid consuming alcohol while
operating a boat to reduce the risk of bodily harm caused by BUI.
Illinois’ rivers and lakes are beautiful, but any body of water can
quickly become dangerous when alcohol is involved. Below are some
important safety tips all boaters should know.
Boat Safety Tips:
Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Check weather conditions before heading out.
Keep a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, and obstacles.
Ensure your boat is equipped with
required safety gear, including a fire extinguisher, signaling
devices, and flotation aids.
Stay alert and watch for changing water and weather conditions.
Take a certified boating safety course through the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
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“Just like
drinking and driving, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) puts
everyone on the water at risk,” said Illinois Liquor Control
Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner. “Alcohol impairs
judgment, reflexes, depth perception, and coordination. No
matter how confident someone feels, alcohol’s effects on the
body and mind increase the danger for boat operators,
passengers, and others on the water. We want everyone to stay
safe, stay smart, and enjoy Illinois’ waterways responsibly.”
For more information and resources, visit the
IDNR boating safety page
About the Illinois Liquor Control Commission
The Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s mission is to protect
the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Illinois
through careful control and regulation of the manufacture,
distribution, and sale of alcoholic liquors and through the
development of strategies to reduce youth access to alcohol
products and the provision of training and education on
responsible beverage service
To learn more about the ILCC and its divisions, visit
www.ILCC.Illinois.gov. To submit a tip or complaint to the
ILCC’s Enforcement Division, click
here.
[Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources]
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