The trends in boating accidents are shifting. 

For many, hearing the term 'boating accident' conjures up images of bigger, motor-powered watercraft but DNR Conservation Police Captain John Williamson on the WHOW Morning Show Thursday indicated to Regional Radio News as recreation activities like kayaking and canoeing become more popular, that is where most of the fatalities and emergency response incidents are going.

With so much rain in the last month in central Illinois, water in streams and creeks is elevated beyond a safe level. Capt. Williamson indicates this is causing a lot of problems for kayakers.

Capt. Williamson points out not only can getting on a body of water you're either unfamiliar with or has elevated water levels be dangerous to yourself, but you could be endangering anyone who might be trying to help and emergency responders.

There is a national coalition seeking to come up with answers as the challenge is introducing people to the activities of canoeing or kayaking. Capt. Williamson says anyone of any level needs to be aware of the flood stages of these bodies of water because you just don't know what you'll encounter.

Capt. Williamson encourages visiting usgs.com for the latest in water levels and other information for area waterways near you. He calls it a great resource for all boaters.