Clinton Lake has been busy this summer thanks to anxious boaters in shelter from home orders for several weeks on top of limited travel during the pandemic.

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police Sergeant John Williamson indicates the boating season might just be busier than normal. He attributes this to boaters making up for lost time during the shelter from home on top of not as much traveling happening during the pandemic.

For the most part, there have been very small incidents but no critical incidents so far. Sgt. Williamson says they continue to deal with typical operating under the influence and boating violations. He stresses regular boating safety messages.

Sgt. Williamson indicates messages they are stressing to new boaters on the lake this year are to find times there is not a lot of lake traffic and practicing driving the boat through water and breaking. He says new boaters often find maneuvering around other watercraft is not as easy as they anticipate. 

As Illinois has loosened restrictions across the State, there are very few restrictions in place now on the lake. Sgt. Williamson also reminds boaters coming to Clinton Lake, the west side access ramp is closed.