THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES IS REMINDING PADDLERS TO BE SAFE OUT ON THE WATER THIS SUMMER.

D-N-R SAFETY EDUCATOR JEFF HOPKINS SAYS YOU NEED TO REMEMBER THAT YOUR CANOE, KAYAK OR PADDLEBOARD CAN POSE THE SAME RISKS AS A BOAT.

CANOES, KAYAKS AND PADDLEBOARDS SHOULD BE TREATED JUST LIKE A BOAT SAYS D-N-R SAFETY EDUCATOR JEFF HOPKINS. HE HAS THIS ADVICE:

HOPKINS SAYS YOU SHOULDN’T OVERLOAD YOUR WATERCRAFT OR GO PADDLING ALONE. HE ALSO RECOMMENDS KEEPING AN EYE ON THE WEATHER AS WELL AS ANY BOATS NEAR YOU.