With the 4th of July here, local law enforcement encourages anyone taking to local waterways to be responisble.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police will be monitoring the waters very closely.  Officer Ray Wichus with the Conservation Police indicates the holiday weekends are always busy at the parks and campgrounds. With that in mind, Conservation Officers will be putting in extra hours this weekend to be out focusing on making alcohol arrests, among other things.

[audio:dnrcrackdown1.mp3]Wichus Part 1[/audio]

The crackdown on operating under the influence is not only taking place on land.  Officer Wichus notes that officers will also be on the lookout for alcohol-related boating offenses.  He says those on the water are under the same regulations operating a boat as a driver on the road operating a vehicle.

[audio:dnrcrackdown2.mp3]Wichus Part 2[/audio]

Wichus stresses the primary goal of the increased patrols make sure everyone out this weekend will be safe wherever they are.  He also encourages anyone heading out on the water to be sure to have enough life jackets on board. Wichus stresses anyone under the age of 13 must be wearing a life jacket and there also must be a life jacket for every person on board of the boat.

[audio:dnrcrackdown3.mp3]Wichus Part 3[/audio]

Conservation Police are also reminding the public that fireworks are not allowed in the state parks.  They encourage everyone to have a safe and responsible weekend.