Natalie Phelps Finnie Director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources | Official Website
Natalie Phelps Finnie Director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources | Official Website
As summer begins, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) has issued a reminder to boaters in Illinois about the dangers of Boating Under the Influence (BUI). The commission highlights that consuming alcohol while boating increases the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. They emphasize the importance of being responsible and aware of these risks.
Operating a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, or under the influence of drugs, is illegal. The ILCC advises against drinking while operating a boat to minimize the risk of harm from BUI. While Illinois' rivers and lakes offer scenic beauty, they can become hazardous when alcohol is involved.
The ILCC provides several safety tips for boaters:
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
- Avoid operating a boat under the influence.
- Check weather conditions before setting out.
- Maintain safe distances from other boats, swimmers, and obstacles.
- Equip your boat with necessary safety gear such as fire extinguishers, signaling devices, and flotation aids.
- Stay vigilant for changing water and weather conditions.
- Consider taking a certified boating safety course through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
"Just like drinking and driving, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) puts everyone on the water at risk," stated Lisa Gardner, Executive Director of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. "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 additional information and resources regarding boating safety in Illinois waters or details about their mission in regulating alcoholic liquors within state boundaries—alongside efforts to reduce youth access—the public can visit IDNR’s boating safety page or www.ILCC.Illinois.gov.
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