We cannot emphasize enough the importance of wearing an approved life jacket while enjoying time on the water. Manning said 19 people died as a result of boating accidents on Illinois waterways in 1998.
Life jackets are life savers, and the models available today are lightweight and easy to wear.
State law also requires anyone operating a personal watercraft to wear a life jacket. Illinois law also requires youngsters 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. These free courses are open to anyone age 10 and older and are required for young people ages 12 to 18 who want to operate a boat or personal watercraft without adult supervision. Boaters should remember that they can have fun on the water without being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.