As the unofficial kickoff to the summer boating season approaches with Memorial Day weekend, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding boaters to prioritize safety equipment alongside mechanical prep.

DNR Conservation Police Officer Noah Workman notes that while boat owners are often eager to get their vessels onto the water, they frequently overlook required safety items after a winter in storage. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, and throwable flotation devices remain a few of the most common violations on the water. 

According to State regulations, every boat must be equipped with at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket per occupant, and crucially, those jackets must properly fit the passengers on board. Officer Workman emphasizes that a life jacket cannot perform its function if it is sized incorrectly for the individual wearing it.

We'll have more with Officer Workman throughout the week leading up to the busy Memorial Day holiday boating season in Illinois.