lifestudent55
09-01-2011, 21:50
With the holiday weekend coming up, the police will be out in force trying to keep everyone safe.
Our pontoon was almost capsized earlier this year by an idiot who thought it was OK to fly past us at high speed as we were slowing for a no wake zone. That, and his boat was only a few feet from ours. He was running a lot slower on the other side of the bridge where a conservation police boat was watching.
Police will be on the lookout for -- drunk boaters
News-Democrat
Conservation Police officers with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be on watch Labor Day weekend and looking for drunk boat operators.
"Many consider Labor Day to be the unofficial end to the summer boating season and with good weather, thousands will take to Illinois rivers and lakes to celebrate this weekend," said Rafael Gutierrez, IDNR Conservation Police Chief. "It's important to remember to celebrate responsibly. Wear a life jacket and always have a designated skipper on board if you are going to be consuming alcohol. Following these two basic rules will save the public money by avoiding fines and can help save lives."
An operating under the influence citation is a class A misdemeanor for a first time offense and is punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. Conservation police officers will also be inspecting vessels to ensure all safety rules are being follow. Under Illinois law, a life jacket or life vest must be available for every person on the boat. State law also requires anyone under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property. People on a jet ski are also required to wear a life vest.
"There is zero tolerance for anyone found operating a vessel or motor vehicle under the influence," Gutierrez said. "And remember, drunk boating is drunk driving and those caught under the influence will be prosecuted."
Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/09/01/1843125/police-will-be-on-the-lookout.html#ixzz1Wl9O4Pb0
Our pontoon was almost capsized earlier this year by an idiot who thought it was OK to fly past us at high speed as we were slowing for a no wake zone. That, and his boat was only a few feet from ours. He was running a lot slower on the other side of the bridge where a conservation police boat was watching.
Police will be on the lookout for -- drunk boaters
News-Democrat
Conservation Police officers with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be on watch Labor Day weekend and looking for drunk boat operators.
"Many consider Labor Day to be the unofficial end to the summer boating season and with good weather, thousands will take to Illinois rivers and lakes to celebrate this weekend," said Rafael Gutierrez, IDNR Conservation Police Chief. "It's important to remember to celebrate responsibly. Wear a life jacket and always have a designated skipper on board if you are going to be consuming alcohol. Following these two basic rules will save the public money by avoiding fines and can help save lives."
An operating under the influence citation is a class A misdemeanor for a first time offense and is punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine. Conservation police officers will also be inspecting vessels to ensure all safety rules are being follow. Under Illinois law, a life jacket or life vest must be available for every person on the boat. State law also requires anyone under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft under 26 feet in length at all times the boat is underway, unless they are below deck in an enclosed cabin or operating on private property. People on a jet ski are also required to wear a life vest.
"There is zero tolerance for anyone found operating a vessel or motor vehicle under the influence," Gutierrez said. "And remember, drunk boating is drunk driving and those caught under the influence will be prosecuted."
Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/09/01/1843125/police-will-be-on-the-lookout.html#ixzz1Wl9O4Pb0