The boating season is nearly upon us and after a spike in interest last year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is promoting safety. 

Rachel Torbert notes the spike in interest last year very well may continue into the 2021 boating season and to that end, there are lots of safety measures to keep in mind.

Sober operation of those watercraft is of the utmost importance for law enforcement officials. Torbert stresses having a designated operator if there is going to be alcohol on a watercraft.

The new license year for licenses began on April 1. Torbert encourages boaters and fishermen to get those updated before they head out for the first time. She reminds the public there is a new website for those renewals and purchases. 

Torbert notes if you have a fishing license, you can snap a photo of that and have it available on your mobile device if asked for it by a DNR official. 

Visit dnr.illinois.gov for all the latest in outdoors information.