Microsoft Word - IDNR OLE ILLINOIS RECREATIONAL BOATING REPORT FFY 2022.docx

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ILLINOIS

RECREATIONAL

BOATINGREPORT

Federal Fiscal Year

October 1, 2021 –

September 30, 2022

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 1

IllinoisDepartmentofNaturalResources

OneNaturalResourcesWay

Springfield,IL61702

Phone:(217)782‐6431

Fax:(217)785‐8405

FOREWORD

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IllinoisRecreationalBoatingReport2022containsstatisticsonrecreationalboatingaccidents,enforcement,safety,and

recreationalboatregisteringactivities.Statisticalinformationcon tained inthisreportisbasedontheFederalFiscalYear

2022(FFY22)(10/01/2021–09/30/2022),excludingtheregisteredrecreationalboats,whicharebasedonthecalendar

year2022.ThispublicationisaresultofthecoordinatedeffortoftheIllinoisDepartmentofNaturalResources

(IDNR)

andthosejurisdictionsthatinvestigaterecreationalboatingaccidentsandenforceboatinglawsinIllinois.

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IllinoisRecreationalBoatingReport2022maybecopiedfreelyforboatingsafety.Forquestio nsandsuggestions

regardingthecontent andavailabilityofthecurrentorbackissues,usetheaddressortelephonenumberatthetopof

thepage.Foranelectroniccopy,visit theIllinoisDepartmentofNaturalResourcesWebsiteat

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/safety/Pages/IncidentReportSummaries.aspx

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“Toserve,protect,andeducatethecitizensandvisitorstothestate

ofIllinoisintheiroutdoorrecreationalendeavors.”

“Tobeavigilantguardianofthenaturalresources,publicsafety,and

homelandsecurityofIllinois.”

“Toassistthepubli c intheirtimesofneed;routineandemergency.”

“Toeducatetheinadver tentviolatorofconservationlaw,bytakingan

appropriatelevelofenforcementactiontoachiev ethisgoal.”

“Torelentlesslypursue,withfullstatewidepoliceauthority,deliberate

offendersandbringthembeforethecourtsfortheadministration 

ofjustice”

“Tomaintainthehig hestlevelofprofessionalstandards,integrity,an

conduct.”

“THISWEPLEDGETOTHECITIZENSOFILLINOIS.”



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Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 2

TABLEOFCONTENTS

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Scope 4

ReportingGuidelinesforBoatAccidents 4

SuspensionProvisions 4

HowDoIReportABoatingViolationorBoatAccident? 4

“Reportable”BoatingAccidents 5

“Non‐Reportable”BoatingAccidents 6

RecreationalBoatingSafetyStatisticalSummary 7

BoatingAccidentsandEnforcementataGlance1964–Present 8‐9

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BOATINGSAFETYEDUCATION 10‐11

GeneralInformation 10

TraditionalCourse/InternetCourse/TotalNumberofPeopleIssuedBoatSafetyCards 11

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REGISTEREDRECREATIONALBOATS–CalendarYear2022 12‐13

GeneralInformation 12

ReportofCertificatesofNumberIssuedtoBoats 13

 

BOATINGENFORCEMENT–FederalFiscalYear2022 14‐21

TopBoatingViolations–Citations/WrittenWarnings 14

CompleteListofBoatingCitations 15‐16

CompleteListofBoatingWrittenWarnings 17‐18

BoatRegistrationInspections 19

BoatingPatrolLogReport 19

OperatingUndertheInfluence(OUI)Arrests 20

BoatingAccidentsandAlcoholUse 21

 

BOATINGACCIDENTREPORT–FederalFiscalYear2022 22‐38

TotalNumberofAccidents/Injuries/Fatalities/Vessels/RegisteredBoats 22

NumberofAccidents/Injuries /Fatalitiesper100,000RegisteredBoats 22

Fatalities‐‐CauseofDeath 22

Fatalities‐‐LifeJacketUse 22

Fatalities‐‐CauseofDeathandLifeJacketUse 22

Fatalities‐‐VictimActivity 22

Fatalities‐‐VesselType 22

Fatalities‐‐VesselTypeandLifeJacketUse 22

Injuries‐‐InjuryCausePrimaryandLifeJacketUse 23

Injuries‐‐VictimActivity  23

Injuries‐‐PrimaryTypeofInjury 23

Injuries‐‐InjuryCausePrimary 23

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TIME‐RELATEDACCIDENTSTATISTICS 24

AccidentsbyMonth 24

AccidentsbyDayofWeek 24

AccidentsbyTimeofDay 24

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Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 3

WATER&WEATHERCONDITIONSACCIDENTSTATISTICS 25

AccidentsbyWaterConditions 25

AccidentsbyWeatherConditions 25

AccidentsbyWindConditions 25

AccidentsbyVisibility 25

 

CAUSE&TYPEACCIDENTSTATISTICS 27‐28

AccidentCauses/ContributingFactors(PrimaryCause/Factor) 27

AccidentTypes(PrimaryType) 28

 

VESSELACCIDENTSTATISTICS 27‐28

AccidentsbyTypeofVessel 27

AccidentsbyVesselOperationatTimeofAccident 28

AccidentsbyVesselLengthinFeet 28

 

OPERATORACCIDENTSTATISTICS 29

OperatorBoatingSafetyEducation 29

Operator’sOverallBoatingExperience(inHours) 29

AccidentsbyOperatorAge 29

 

BODYOFWATER&COUNTYACCIDENTSTATISTICS 30‐35

BodyofWater 30

BodyofWaterBrokenDownbyCounty 31‐32

County 33

CountyBrokenDownbyBodyofWater 34‐35

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FATALBOATINGACCIDENTSREPORT–FederalFiscalYear2022  36‐42

FatalBoatAccidentStatisticalSummary 36

FatalBoatAccidentNarratives 37‐38

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GLOSSARY 39‐42

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WATERCRAFTFREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS 43‐50

WatercraftFrequentlyAskedQuestions 43

Questions 44‐50

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TheIllinoisBoatingDiges thasbeenpostedontheIDNRwebsiteat

http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/boating/Documents/BoatDigest.pdf.TheBoatingDigestwillnolongerbeavailableinpamphlet

form.IthasbeenconvertedintoaPDFdocumentforeasierviewingandprintingfromthewebsite.

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

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 4

SCOPE

Statisticalinformationcontained inthisreportisbasedontheFederalFiscalYear2022(FFY22)(10/01/2021–09/30/2022),

excludingtheregisteredrecreationalboats,whicharebasedonthecalendaryear2022.Thisreportcontainsstatisticson

recreationalboatingaccidents,registeredrecreationalboats,boatingenforcement,andinformationonboatingsafetyactivities.

Data

usedtocompiletherecreationalboatingaccidentstatisticscomesfromtwosources:(1)RecreationalBoatingAccident

ReportsofIDNRinvestigationsofrecreationalboatingaccidentsonwaterswithintheState;and(2)reportsforwardedtotheIDNR

byotherjurisdictionswithintheState.Withoutinvestigations,info rmation wouldnotbecollectedfrom

accidentreportsfrom

boatoperators.Datausedtocompiletheboatingenforcementstatisticscomesfromthreesources:(1)IDNRConservationPolice

OfficerDailyActivityReports,(2)CPOOperatingUndertheInfluenceReports,and(3)reportsforwardedtotheIDNRbyother

jurisdictionswithintheState.

REPORTINGGUIDELINESFORBOATACCIDENTS

FederalRegulations(33CFR174.121)requireaccidentreportdatatobeforwardedtoCoastGuardHeadquarterswithin30daysof

receiptbyastate.



IllinoisBoatRegistrationandSafetyAct(625ILCS45/6)requirestheoperatorofavesselinvolvedinacollisionoraccidentmust

renderaid(ifpractical)

toanyaffectedpersonsandprovidehisname,address,andvesselinformationtoanypersoninjuredand

totheownerofanypropertydamagedasaresultofthecollisionoraccident.Failuretocomplywhentheaccidentorcollision

resultedinaperson'sdeathorpersonalinjuryisaClass

Amisdemeanor.Anypersonwhohasfailedtostoporcomplywiththis

sectionmust,assoonaspossiblebutnolaterthanonehourafterthecollisionoraccidentoccurred,repo rttheincidenttothe

nearestpolicestationorsheriff’soffice.Iftheoperatorwashospitalized,thisreportmust

befiledwithinonehourofdischarge.If

thecollisionoraccidentinvolvespersonalinjurytoaperson,failuretocomplyisaClass4felony.Personalinjuryisdefinedasany

injuryrequiringtreatmentbeyondfirstaid.Ifthecollisionoraccidentresultedindeath,failuretocomplyisa

Class2felony

punishableby3–4yearsinprison.

Inadditiontotheaboverequirements,wheneveraboatisinvolvedinacollisionoraccidentcausingpropertydamageof$2000or

more,orresultsintotallossofthevessel,orcausesinjurytoanypersonrequiringmedical

attentionbeyondfirstaid,areport,

completedbytheoperator,mustbemadetotheDepartment,onformsprovided,withinfivedays.Allboatingaccidentsresulting

inlossoflifemustbereportedtotheDepartmentonformsprovidedwithin48hoursbytheoperator.



Boataccidentreportingappliesto

each“vessel”usedbyitsoperatorforrecreationalpurposesorvesselsthatarerequiredtobe

numberedandarenotsubjecttoinspection.



Theterm“vessel”includeseverydescriptionofwatercraftorotherartificialcontrivanceused,orcapableofbeingused,asa

meansoftransportationonthewater.Termsused

todescribethevarioustypesofwatercraftareairboat,auxiliarysailboat,cabin

motorboat,canoe,houseboat,inflatableboat,kayak,openmotorboat,personalwatercraft,pontoonboat,raft,rowboat,and

sailboat.Unmodifiedinnertubeshavenotbeende terminedtobe“vessels”todate.Thusanyaccidentthatonlyinvolvesan

unmodifiedinnertube

hasnotbeenincludedinthestatisticsinthemainbodyofthisreport.

Operatorsofmotorboatsinvolvedinaboatingaccidentresultinginseriousinjuryordeathmustsubmittochemicaltesting

(breath,blood,orurine)uponrequestbytheinvestigatinglawenforcementofficer.Failuretosubmittorequestedtesting

or

submittingtotestingbutfailingsuchtestingshallresultinasuspensionofthemotorboatoperator'sIllinoisdriver’slicenseby

theIllinoisSecretaryofState.



SuspensionProvisions

Aperson’sprivilegestooperateawatercraftmaybesuspendedforaperiodof1to3yearsforviolationsofoperatingunderthe

influence,carelessorrecklessoperation,orfailuretoreportanaccident.

Further,itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontooperateawatercraftwhentheirprivilegeshave

beensuspendedorrevokedinthis

stateorbyanotherstate,afederalagency,oraprovinceofCanada.



HowDoIReportABoatingViolationorBoatAccident?

YourlocalIllinoisStatePoliceDistrictHQdispatchcenterdispatchesIllinoisConservationPoliceOfficers(CPOs).Ifyouhavea

seriousboatingviolationorboataccidenttoreport,dial“911”immediately.Otherwise,contactyourlocalIllinoisStatePolice

DistrictHQdispatchcenterforassistancecontactingaConservationPoliceOfficer.Alistingof

IllinoisStatePoliceDistrictscanbe

foundathttp://www.isp.state.il.us/

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 5

“Reportable”BoatingAccidents



Avesselisconsideredtobeinvolvedina“boatingaccident”wheneveradeath,missingperson,personalinjury,propertydamage,

ortotalvessellossresultsfromthevessel'soperation,construction,seaworthiness,equipment,ormachinery.



Thefollowingareexamplesofaccidenttypesthatareusedinthisreport:



• Grounding,capsizing,sinking,orflooding/swamping

• Fallsinoroverboardavessel

• Personsejectedfromavessel

• Fireorexplosionsthatoccurwhileunderwayandwhileanchored,moored,ordockedifthefireresultedfromthevessel

orvesselequipment.

• Water‐skiingorothermishapsinvolving

atowabledevice

• Collisionwithanothervesselorobject

• Strikingasubmergedobject

• Apersonstruckbyavessel,propeller,propulsionunit,orsteeringmachinery

• Carbonmonoxideexposure

• Electrocutionduetostraycurrentrelatedtoavessel

• Casualtieswhileswimmingfromavesselthatis

notanchored,moored,ordocked.

• Casualties,wherenaturalcausescontributedtothedeathofanindividual,butthedeterminedcauseofdeath,was

drowning.

• Casualtiesfromnaturalphenomenasuchasinteractionwithmarinelife(i.e.,leapingsturgeoncausescasualtytoperson)

andinteractionwithnature(i.e.,mountainside

fallsontovesselcausingcasualties).

• Casualtiesarewhenapersonfallsoffananchoredvessel.



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 6

“Non‐Reportable”BoatingAccidents



NoteveryoccurrenceinvolvingavesselisconsideredwithinthescopeoftheNationalRecreationalBoatingSafetyProgram.The

followingoccurrencesinvolvingavesselmayberequiredtobereportedtothestatebut,forstatisticalpurposes,areexcluded

fromthisreportandareconsidered“non‐

reportable”boatingaccidents:



• Apersondies,isinjured,orismissingasaresultofself‐inflictedwounds,alcoholpoisoning,gunshotwounds,orthe

ingestionofdrugs,controlledsubstances,orpoison.

• Apersondies,isinjured,orismissingasaresultofanassaultbyanotherperson

orpersonswhileaboardavessel.

• Apersondiesorisinjuredfromnaturalcauseswhileaboardavessel.

• Apersondies,isinjured,orismissingasaresultofjumping,diving,orswimmingforpleasurefromananchored,moored,

ordockedvessel.

• Apersondies,is

injured,orismissingasaresultofswimmingtoretrieveanobjectoravesselthatisadriftfromits

mooringordock,havingdepartedfromaplaceofinherentsafety,suchastheshoreorpier.

• Propertydamageoccurs,orapersondies,isinjured,oris

missingwhilepreparingavesselforlaunchingorretrieving,and

thevesselisnotonthewaterandcapable/readyforitsintendeduse.

• Propertydamageoccurswhenapersondies,isinjured,orismissingduetoafireonshoreorapierthatspreadstoa

vesselorvessels.



• Propertydamageoccurstoadockedormooredvessel,orapersondies,isinjured, orismissingfromsuchavesselasa

resultofstorms,unusualtidalorseaconditions,orwhenavesselgetsunderwayinthoseconditionsinanattemptto

rescuepersonsorvessels.

• Propertydamageoccurstoadockedormooredvesselduetoalackofmaintenanceonthevessel.

• Propertydamageoccurstoadockedormooredvesselduetotheftorvandalism.

• Propertydamageoccurstoapersondiesorisinjured,orapersonismissingfrom

anon‐propelledhouseboatorother

vesselusedprimarilyasaresidencewhensuchavesselisnotunderway.

• Casualtiesthatresultfromfallsfromorondockedvesselsorvesselsthataremooredtoapermanentstructure.

• Casualtiesthatresultfromapersonclimbingaboardananchored

vesselfromthewaterorswimmingnearananchored

vessel.

• Fireorexplosionsonanchored,docked,ormooredboatswherethecauseofthefirewasnotattributedtothevesselor

vesselequipment.

• Casualtyordamagethatresultswhenthevehicleusedfortraileri ngthevesselfails.

•

Casualtiesordamagethatoccursduringaccidentsthatonlyinvolveunmodifiedinnertubes.

• Casualtiesordamageoccurswhentheonlyvessel(s)involvedarebeingusedsolelyforgovernmental,commercial,or

criminalactivity.

• Casualtiesordamageoccurswhentheonlyvessel(s)involvedarenotnumberedandarebeing used

exclusivelyforracing.

• Casualtiesordamagethatoccurwhentheonlyvessel(s)involvedareforeignvesselsandthusnotsubjecttoU.S.federal

reportingrequirements.



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 7

RECREATIONALBOATINGSTATISTICALSUMMARY



ThisreportsummarizestheFederalFiscalYear2022IllinoisRecreationalBoating.Statisticalinformationcontainedinthisreportis 

basedontheFederalFiscalYear2022(FFY22),excludingtheCertificateofNumberedVesselReports,whichisbasedonthe

calendaryear2022.



Illinoisofficersinvestigated52reportable

boataccidents,whichwas a44%decreasefromFFY21.Atotalof40injurieswere

reportedinFFY2022,a37%increasefromthepreviousyear.Atotalof6fatalitieswerereportedinFFY2022,a62%decrease

overthepreviousperiod,resultinginroughlythreedeathsper100,000registered

recreationalvessels.



TheIllinoisDepartmentofNaturalResourcesOfficeofLawEnforcementrecorded29,794personalservicehoursworkedonthe

RecreationalBoatingSafetyProgram,whichaccountedfor9%oftotalworkhours.Thiswasa3%increasefromthetotalhours

workedontheprograminFFY2021.TheOffice

ofLawEnforcement’sestimatedon‐waterhoursof17,671showeda21%increase

inhoursworkedonthewaterovertheprecedingperiod.



BoatingenforcementactivitybytheIllinoisConservationPolicesawadecreaseinthetotalnumberofcitationsandaslight

increaseinwrittenwarningsissuedduringFFY22

fromthepreviousyear.Citationsdecreasedfrom734to591(‐19.48%),and

writtenwarningsincreasedfrom2697to2808(4.11%).Operatingundertheinfluencearrestincreasedfrom65to72(10.76%).

Personalfloatationdevicesandoperatingundertheinfluenceremainedthetopboatingviolationscitedbyofficers.



Thetotal

numberofregis teredboatscontinuestodeclinefrom188,086lastyearto187,429thisyear.



BoatingaccidentreportsindicatethemajorityofaccidentsoccurbetweenJune,July,andAugust,onSaturdayorSunday,between

12p.m.and6p.m.Conditionsareusuallyclearwithgoodvisibility ,lightwinds,andcalm

water.Mostaccidentsinvolveoperators

betweentheagesoftwentyandfortywhohaveoveronehundredhoursofboatingexperiencebuthavelittleornoclassroom

boatingsafetyinstruction.Theyalsoinvolveopenmotorboatscruisingin acareless/recklessmannerculminatinginacollision

withanotherboat.



Sixpeoplediedin

6Illinoisboatingaccidents.

Threefatalitiesoccurredduringtheweekandthreeontheweekend

Sixfatalitieswithclearconditionsand4withcalmwaters

Thewindswerelighttomoderate(5)withgoodvisibility(4)

Inthemajorityoffatalities,theoperatorshadnoformalboatsafetyeducation(6).



0outof6fatalitiesinvolvedalcohol/drugimpairment



Onceagain,thefactorthatwouldhavesavedlivesthispastseasonwouldhavebeenforpeopletoweartheirPersonalFloatation

Devices(PFD).Of6fatalities,fourmayhavesurvivediftheyhadworntheirPFDs.



TheStateofIllinoisdoes

notrequireaCoastGuard‐approvedPFDtobeworn.However,personsundertheageof13,and

operators/passengersonpersonalwatercraftorspecialtyprop‐craft,arerequiredtowearaCoastGuard‐approvedPFD.



Themostproactiveactionaboatercantaketoensurehis/hersafetyonthewater

istowearaCoastGuard‐approvedPFDof

theappropriatesizeandinserviceablecondition.

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 8

BOATACCIDENTS&ENFORCEMENTATAGLANCE

1964–Present

Year

Total

Numberof

Accidents

Total

Number

ofInjuries

Total

Numberof

Fatalities

Total

Number

ofVessels

Total

Numberof

Registered

Boats

Total

Numberof

Fatalitiesby

Drowning

Conservation

PoliceOperating

Underthe

Influence(OUI)

Total

Numberof

Boating

Citations

Total



Numberof

Boating

Written

TotalHours

Workedonthe

RecreationalBoat

SafetyProgram

()

1964 115 72 33 167 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1965 116 48 52 161 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1966 127 112 49 184 0 13 0 0 0 0

1967 113 73 44 146 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1968 122 80 56 162 0 54 0 0 0 0

1969 101 54 42 136 0 37 0 0 0 0

1970 98 58 38 133 0 31 0 0 0 0

1971 88 73 29 119 0 29 0 0 0 0

1972 94 43 39 129 0 37 0 0 0 0

1973 130 58 64 175 0 59 0 0 0 0

1974 115 62 56 152 0 52 0 0 0 0

1975 126 87 43 178 0 34 0 0 0 0

1976* 124 30 20 174 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1977* 111 18 27 159 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1978* 113 54 36 118 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1979* NA NA NA NA 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1980* 95 72 30 95 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1981* 97 NA NA 97 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1982 109 71 28 139 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1983 97 51 17 139 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1984 118 62 39 138 0 NA 0 0 0 0

1985 105 47 30 123 0 25 0 0 0 0

1986 94 58 11 114 0 11 0 0 0 0

1987 70 63 13 82 0 12 0 0 0 0

1988 103 89 16 120 0 11 0 0 0 0

1989 97 70 14 129 0 9 0 0 0 0

1990 146 107 26 187 350,000 22 0 0 0 0

1991 179 125 31 224 362,000 23 0 0 0 0

1992 147 124 28 200 365,000 20 0 0 0 0

1993 134 94 32 163 371,000 29 57 0 0 0



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 9

BOATACCIDENTS&ENFORCEMENTATAGLANCE

1964–Present

Year

Total

Numberof

Accidents

Total

Number

ofInjuries

Total

Numberof

Fatalities

Total

Number

ofVessels

Total

Numberof

Registered

Boats

Total

Numberof

Fatalitiesby

Drowning

ConservationPolice

OperatingUnder

theInfluence(OUI)

Arrests

Total

Numberof

Boating

Citations



Total

Numberof

Boating

Written

TotalHours

Workedonthe

RecreationalBoat

SafetyProgram

()

1994 157 131 17 211 381,864 15 67 0 0 0

1995 178 88 16 228 386,500 13 111 0 0  0

1996 155 90 27 214 390,000 23 93 0 0 0

1997 145 81 14 223 397,000 10 123 0 0  14,328

1998 176 107 19 249 395,500 12 75 0 0 16,048

1999 159 75 13 238 394,108 10 95 0 0 13,822

2000 155 76 14 231 370,568 11 100 0 0  11,869

2001 112 75 8 171 368,047 7 180 2,263 0 13,185

2002 135 92 23 188 364,075 13 199 1,630 0 13,369

2003 84 63 13 122 360,252 7  125 NA 0 10,827

2004 78 45 18 103 356,305 15 127 1,509 1,647 13,858

2005 115 100 16 152 342,745 12 185 1,403 NA 15,046

2006 79 66 18 119 343,591 13 229 1,882 3,307 15,866

2007 107 57 13 146 339,288 11 144 1,451 3,239 30,332

2008 120 78 13 174 336,025 10 185 1,603 3,695 39,998

2009 102 71 25 137 329,032 15 179 1,960 5,576 21,403

2010 105 76 16 145 323,191 13 155 1,853 5,438 13,363

2011 103 70 21 136 319,559 15 121 1,520 4,581 27,346

2012 101 69 19 135 312,664 15 123 1,230 3,972 50,664

2013 65 50 14 90 271,116 12 115 1,235 4,525 40,734

2014 77 54 20 98 252,094 16 159 1,504 5,127 38,275

2015 74 49 14 96 233,062 14 155 1,415 4,518 42,379

2016 73 36 11 103 248,948

10 147 1,721 5,258 42,160

2017 80 48 12 123 248,696

12 145 1,355 4,886 45,725

2018 68 34 18 91 245,621

17 132 1,045 3,753 33,844

2019 72 42 14 95 229,370

14 103 735 2,623 39,421

2020 81 36 21 113 216,175

18 102 863 3,208 24,067

2021 93 28 16 147 188,086

14 65 734 2,697 28,886

2022 52 40 6 78 187,429

5 72 591 2,808 29,794



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 10

BOATINGSAFETYEDUCATION



GeneralInformation

Nopersonundertenyearsofagemayoperateamotorboat.Agedtenyearsandlessthantwelveyearsofagemay

onlyoperateunderaparentorguardian'sdirectcontrol.



WhoMustTaketheCourse?



NopersonbornonorafterJanuary1,1998,unlessexemptedbysubsection(i),

shalloperateamotorboatwithoverten

horsepowerunlessthatpersonhasavalidBoatingSafetyCertificateissuedbytheDe partmentofNaturalResourcesor

anentityororganizationrecognizedandapprovedbytheDepartment.



Personsatleast12yearsofageandlessthan18yearsofagemayonly

operateamotorboatif:



TheyhaveinpossessionavalidBoatingEducationCertificateofCompetencyissuedbytheIllinoisDepartmentofNatural

Resources,SafetyEducationDivision,ortheyareaccompaniedonthemotorboatandunderthedirectcontrolofa

parentorguardianorapersonatleast18years

ofagedesignatedbyaparentorguardian.



Throughouttheyear,manypeopleoperatemotor‐drivenwatercraftonIllinoiswaters,andmanyoperateforthefirst

time.So,weencourageindividuals‐bothnoviceandexperienced‐totakethecourse.Eachofushastheresponsibility

tokeepthislifetimeleisur e 

activityfreefromtragedyandpersonallosstoourselvesandourfellowboaters.TheIllinois

BoatingEducationCourseisofferedwiththeseobjectivesinmind.



TheIllinoisBoatingEducationCourseconsistsofaminimumofeighthoursofinstruction.Thesecoursescoverthebasics

ofboatingsafety,equipmentandrequirements,navigation,

motorboat,registrationandtitling,emergencymeasures,

andtheIllinoisboatinglaws.



Theprogramisprimarilydesignedtotrainyoungpeopleovertheageof12yearsold.Theeducationalmaterialisbased

onasixth‐gradereadinglevel.Studentsundertheageof11maynotparticipateintheexam

toreceivecertification.

Students11yearsoldwillreceivetheircertificateupontheir12thbirthday.



Persons12andovercompletingtheminimumeighthoursofinstructionandsuccessfullycompletingthefinal

examinationwillreceiveaStateofIllinoisCertificateofCompetency.



TwoWaystoTaketheCourse



Instructor‐ledClasses

‐Thetraditionalclassmethodisthroughan8‐hourinstructor‐ledclassstructure.Classesmaybe

taughtinonedayoroveracoupleofdifferentdays,usuallyontheweekend.Theclasswillendwithanexamtopassthe

class.Interestedindividualsmaycall1‐800‐832‐2599

orchecktheListofEducationCoursesbyCounty.



OnlineSelf‐StudyCourse‐Studentsmaystudythecoursematerialattheirownpace,completingchapterreviewsalong

theway.Attheendofthecoursematerial,thestudentwillberequiredtopassanexam.Studentcertificationwillbe

mailedbythecourseprovider.



TwoProvidersforOnlineBoating

SafetyCourseandCertification:



www.Boat‐Ed.com



www.BoaterExam.com



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 11

BOATINGSAFETYEDUCATION



TraditionalClassroomCourse InternetCourses

TotalNumberofPeopleIssued

BoatSafetyCards

Year

Total

Classes

#Students

Certified

Total

Students

Exams

Issued

#Students

Certified



2005* 95 2,390 2,428 890 732 3,122

2006 74 1,449 1,517 1,693 1,405 2,854

2007 70 1,215 1,235 1,687 1,358 2,573

2008 47 857 870 1,699 1,362 2,219

2009 49 874 888 2,208 2,037 2,911

2010* 40 902 922 2,410 2,410 3,312

2011 40 693 712 2,261 2,261 2,954

2012 41 712 712 2,016 2,016 2,728

2013 35 548 550 2,731 2,731 3,279

2014 33 539 524 2,566 2,566 3,105

2015 30 460 470 2,971 2,971 3,431

2016 34 561 561 3,275 3,275 3,836

2017 27 375 375 3,073 3,073 3,448

2018 27 469 475 3,475 3,475 3,944

2019 20 404 434 3,546 3,546 3,950

2020 0 0 0  6,007 6,007 6,007

2021 18 89 89 6,893 6,893 6,982

2022 19 254 262 4,812 4,812 5,066

Totals 699 12,791 13,024 54,213 52,930 65,721



*InMay2005Boat‐Edstarted

*InJune2010,BoaterExam.comstarted

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 12

REGISTEREDRECREATIONALBOATS



Illinoisrequireseverywatercraft,exceptnon‐poweredwatercraft,onwaterswithinthejurisdictionofthisStatetobe

numbered.Nopersonmayoperate,orgivepermissionfortheoperationof,anywatercraftonsuchwatersunlessthe

watercraftisnumberedinaccordancewiththeBoatRegistration&

SafetyAct,inaccordancewithapplicableFederal

law,orinaccordancewithaFederally‐approvednumberingsystemofanotherState,and(1)thecertificateofnumber

awardedtosuchwatercraftisinfullforceandeffect,and(2)theidentifyingnumbersetforthinthecertificateof 

numberisdisplayedon

eachsideofthebowofsuchwatercraft.

TheownerofeachwatercraftrequiringnumberingbythisStateshallfileanapplicationfornumberwiththeDepartment

ofNaturalResourcesonformsapprovedbyit.Theapplicationshallbesignedbytheownerofthewatercraftandshall

beaccompanied

byafeeasfollows:



TransactionFees

NewandTransferRenewal

Class1‐AllpoweredWatercraftlessthan16ft.exceptnon‐powered‐$28.00

Class2‐16ft.tolessthan26ft.‐$60.00

Class3‐26ft.tolessthan40ft.‐$160.00

Class4‐40ft.andover‐$210.00

Renewal

Class1‐AllpoweredWatercraftless

than16ft.exceptnon‐powered‐$18.00

Class2‐16ft.tolessthan26ft.‐$50.00

Class3‐26ft.tolessthan40ft.‐$150.00

Class4‐40ft.andover‐$200.00

CorrectedTitle,CorrectedRegistration,DuplicateTitle,DuplicateDecals, DuplicateRegistration

$7.00foreachtransaction.

TitleSearch

$7.00foreachTitleSearch.

DealerorManufacturerTitle

$10.00foreachtransaction.

USCGRegistrationFees orRenewalFees

Class2‐16ft.tolessthan26ft.‐$50.00

Class3‐26ft.tolessthan40ft‐$150.00

Class4‐40ft.andover‐$200.00





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 13

THE2022CALENDARYEAR



REPORTOFCERTIFICATESOFNUMBERISSUEDTO

RECREATIONALBOATSONLY*



MotorizedVesselTypes <16 16To<26 26To<40 40To65 >65 AllLengths

Airboat 20 40 2 0 0 62

AuxiliarySail 27 365 1007 146 3 1,548

CabinMotorboat 30 2951 3801 578 11 7,371

Houseboat 22 75 126 202 28 453

InflatableBoat 392 44 0 0 0 436

OpenMotorboat 28505 93281 2035 45 2 123,868

PersonalWatercraft 17311 2199 0 0 0 19,510

PontoonBoat 829 22882 1113 10 1 24,835

Other 3359 3316 201 30 5 6,911

    

Non‐MotorizedVesselTypes <16 16To<26 26To<40 40To65 >65 AllLengths

InflatableBoat 16 1 0 0 0 17

Paddlecraft 409 125 0 0 0 534

Rowboat 253 17 0 0 0 270

SailOnly 592 697 211 23 0 1523

Other 70 19 0 0 0 91



TotalRecreationalRegistration

MotorizedVessel  184,994

Non‐MotorizedVessel  2,435

Total187,429





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 14

BOATINGENFORCEMENT

TopBoatingViolations



TopCitations 

TypeofBoatingViolations Citations

PFDAgeRequirement.LessThan13YearsOldMustWearPFD 100

UndertheInfluenceofAlcohol 72

WearablePFD(TypeI,II,OrIIIRequired) 57

OperatingwithBACOver.08 53

PersonalFlotationDevices 49

OperationofUnnumberedWatercraft 46

OperationinNoWakeArea 24

FailuretoTransferCertificateofNumber 17

FailuretoDisplay,ImproperDisplayofRegistrationNumber 16

CarelessOperation 15

OperatingW/OutProperLightsBetweenSunset/Sunrise 14

FailuretoDisplayValidRegistrationDecal 13

OperationofPWCBetweentheHoursofSunset/Sunrise 11

PersonalWatercraft–PFDMustbeworn 10

RestrictedArea,NoWakeW/In150FeetofPublicRamp 9

LanyardCut‐offSwitch 9

FireExtinguisher 8

TotalNumberofCitationsIssued 591

TopWrittenWarnings 

TypeofBoatingViolations

Written

Warnings

BatteryCovers 461

PersonalFloatationDevices 457

FireExtinguisher 337

OperationofUnnumberedWatercraft 331

OperationofMotorboatWithoutHornorWhistle 223

LanyardCut‐OffSwitch 200

OperationinNoWakeArea 104

TypeIVPFDOnBoard(16FeetandOver) 102

OperatingW/OutProperLightsBetweenSunset/Sunrise 68

FailuretoDisplay,ImproperDisplayofRegistrationNumber 67

PassengerLocation 65

DisplayingOrangeFlagWhileTowingPerson 61

RestrictedArea,NoWakeW/In150FeetofPublicRamp 58

FailuretoDisplayValidRegistrationDecal 35

TotalNumberofWrittenWarningsIssued 2808





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 15

BoatCitations



Chapter/Act/Section #Issued Violation

625452‐4A 0 ResistancetoOfficers

625452‐4B 1 FailuretoObeyDirectionofPoliceOfficer

625453‐1 46 OperationofUnnumberedWatercraft

625453‐1.5 0 NoWaterUsageStamp(Non‐Powered

Watercraft)

625453‐3 9 FailuretoDisplay,ImproperDisplayofRegistrationNumber

625453‐4 0 FailuretoNotifyDeptOfDestruction/Sale/Transfer

625453‐5 17 FailuretoTransferCertificateofNumber

625453‐7 0 LossofCertificateofNumber/RegistrationDecal

625453‐9

 16 FailuretoDisplayValidRegistrationDecal

625453‐11 0 Falsify/AlterCertificateofNumberorWaterUsageStamp

625453‐13 0 FailuretoAttachHINToWatercraft

625453A‐12 1 FailuretoTransferTitle

625453A‐14 0 FailuretoTransferTitle‐Dealer

625453A‐15 0 FailuretoMakeApplicationofTitle

625453A‐17 0 FailuretoTransferTitle‐Individual

625453A‐20A 2 OperatingW/OCertificateofTitle

625453A‐20B 2 Sell/TransferW/OCertificate

625453A‐20C 0 FailuretoSurrenderTitle



62545

3A‐21A 0 Alter,Forge,orCounterfeitManufacturer’sorImporter’sCertificate

625453A‐21F 0 Possess,Buy,Receive,SellBoatW/OutHIN

625453C‐1A 2 AbandoningAWatercraft

625454‐1 49 PersonalFlotationDevices

625454‐1A 57 WearablePFD(TypeI,II,OrIII

Required)

625454‐1B 10 PersonalWatercraft–PFDMustBeWorn

625454‐1C 1 TypeIVPFDOnBoard(16FeetandOver)

625454‐1D 0 TypeVPFDApprovedforActivityUsed

625454‐1E 2 NoPFDonBoatforPeron

beingTowed

625454‐1F1 3 PFDsAccessible

625454‐1F2 0 PFDsServiceableConditio n 

625454‐1F3 0 PFDsAppropriateSize

625454‐1F4 0 PFDsLegiblyMarkedwithUSCGNumber

625454‐1I 100 PFDAgeRequirement.LessThan13YearsOldMustWear

PFD

625454‐2 14 OperatingW/OutProperLightsBetweenSunset/Sunrise

625454‐3A 0 FailuretoEquipBoatW/MufflerSystem

625454‐3B 0 Mufflers‐ExceedingNoiseLevel

625454‐4 0 OperationofMotorboatWithoutHornorWhistle

625454‐5 8 Fire

Extinguisher

625454‐6 0 CarburetorArrestor

625454‐9 0 SealingofMarineHeads

625454‐10 5 BatteryCovers

625454‐11 9 LanyardCut‐OffSwitch

625454‐12 0 VisualDistressSignals

625455‐1 15 CarelessOperation

625455

‐2A 2 RecklessOperation/AggravatedRecklessOperation

625455‐2B 0 RecklessOperationwithGreatBodilyHarm

625455‐3 0 InterferencewithNavigation

625455‐4A 2 OverloadingMotorboat

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 16





Chapter/Act/Section #Issued Violation

625455‐4B 0 CapacityPlate

625455‐5 0 IncapacityofOperator

625455‐6 0 Overpowering

625455‐7 9 RestrictedArea,NoWakeW/In150

FeetofPublicRamp

625455‐12 24 OperationinNoWakeArea

625455‐13A 0 Passing

625455‐13B 0 Crossing

625455‐13C 1 Overtaking

625455‐13D 1 RightofWayViolation

625455‐14 1 TowingofPersons

625

455‐14A 5 CompetentObserver,VesselCapacity–3Persons

625455‐14B 1 HalfHourBeforetoHalfHourafterTowingWaterSkier

625455‐14E 2 DisplayingOrangeFlagWhileTowingPerson

625455‐16A1 0 OperatingUndertheInfluenceAlcohol/Drugs

625455

‐16A1a 53 OperatingwithBACOver.08

625455‐16A1b 72 UndertheInfluenceofAlcohol

625455‐16A1c 1 UndertheInfluenceofDrugs

625455‐16A1d 1 UnderCombinedInfluenceofAlcohol/Drugs

625455‐

16A1e 0 AnyAmountofDruginPersonsBloodorUrine

625455‐16E 0 OwnerPermittingOUIOperation

625455‐18 4 YouthfulOperators

625455‐18G1 0 Failuretoshowsafetycertificate

625455‐19 0 SkinDiving150ftShoreline/Diver’sFlag



625455‐20 11 OperationofPWCBetweentheHoursofSunset/Sunrise

625455‐21 9 PassengerLocation

625455‐22B 0 FailuretoYieldtoEmergencyWatercraftUponApproach

625455‐22C 0 FailuretoYieldtoEmergencyWatercraftWhenStationary

625456‐1

0 FailuretoRenderAidAfterAccident/ProvideInformation

625456‐1A 2



FailuretoRenderAssistanceinanAccident

625456‐1A1 2 FailuretoReportAccidentWithin1Hour

625457‐1 5 LicenseRequired‐PassengerforHire/BoatRental

625457‐7 0

License/Tag/WeightFailtoDisplay/RentalBoat

625457‐8 0 Livery‐FailureofOwnertoProvideSafetyEquip

625457‐9 0 Registration/PerArticleIII

625457‐10 1 UnlawfulRentalOfPwc

6254511A‐1 5 Catch‐AllForViolationsOfBoatCode&AuthorityForAd

Rules.



TOTALVIOLATIONS 591



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 17

BoatWrittenWarnings



Chapter/Act/Section #Issued Violation

625452‐4A 0 ResistancetoOfficers

625452‐4B 0 FailuretoObeytheDirectionofthePoliceOfficer

625453‐1 331 OperationofUnnumberedWatercraft

625453‐1.5 1 NoWaterUsage

Stamp(Non‐PoweredWatercraft)

625453‐3 67 FailuretoDisplay,ImproperDisplayofRegistrationNumber

625453‐4 3 FailuretoNotifyDeptOfDestruction/Sale/Transfer

625453‐5 24 FailuretoTransferCertificateofNumber

625453‐7 0 LossofCertificateofNumber/RegistrationDecal

625

453‐7.5 0 FailuretoReplaceLost/DestroyedWaterUsageStamp

625453‐9 35 FailuretoDisplayValidRegistrationDecal

625453‐11 0 Falsify/AlterCertificateofNumberorWaterUsageStamp

625453‐13 0 FailuretoAttachHINToWatercraft

625453A‐12

2 FailuretoTransferTitle

625453A‐14 0 FailuretoTransferTitle‐Dealer

625453A‐15 1 FailuretoMakeApplicationofTitle

625453A‐17 0 FailuretoTransferTitle‐Individual

625453A‐19 0 FailuretosurrenderthetitletoDepartmentforJunkor

salvagedwatercraft

625453A‐20A 1 OperatingW/OCertificateofTitle

625453A‐20B 3 Sell/TransferW/OCertificate 

625453A‐20C 0 FailuretoSurrenderTitle

625453A‐21A 0 Alter,Forge,orCounterfeitManufacturer’sorImporter’sCertificate 

625453A‐21D 0 UseFalseName

orAddress,ConcealFactsinApplicationforTitle

625453A‐21F 0 Possess,Buy,Receive,SellBoatW/OutHIN

625453A‐21G 1 Destroy,Remove,Cover,AlterorDefaceHIN

625453A‐21H 0 Possess,Buy,Sell,ExchangethetitletoWatercraftthatisjunkorsalvage

625

453C‐1A 3 AbandoningAWatercraft

625454‐1 457 PersonalFloatationDevices

625454‐1A 7 WearablePFD(TypeI,II,OrIIIRequired)

625454‐1B 0 PersonalWatercraft–PFDMustBeWorn

625454‐1C 102 TypeIVPFDOnBoard

(16FeetandOver)

625454‐1D 4 TypeVPFDApprovedforActivityUsed 

625454‐1E 1 Waterskier,aquaplanes,etc.

625454‐1F1 1 PFDsAccessible

625454‐1F2 0 PFDsServiceableCondition

625454‐1F3 0 PFDsAppropriateSize

625454

‐1F4 0 PFDsLegiblyMarkedwithUSCGNumber

625454‐1I 34 PFDAgeRequirement.LessThan13YearsOldMustWearPFD

625454‐2 68 OperatingW/OutProperLightsBe tween Sunset/Sunrise

625454‐3A 0 FailuretoEquipBoatW/MufflerSystem

625454‐3B

0 Mufflers‐ExceedingNoiseLevel

625454‐4 223 OperationofMotorboatWithoutHornorWhistle

625454‐5 337 FireExtinguisher

625454‐6 1 CarburetorArrestor

625454‐7 1 Ventilators

625454‐8 0 Sirensandflashinglights ‐Unlawfuluse







Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 18

Chapter/Act/Section #Issued Violation

625454‐10 461

BatteryCovers

625454‐11 200 LanyardCut‐OffSwitch

625454‐12 15 VisualDistressSignals

625455‐1 7 CarelessOperation

625455‐2 0 RecklessOperation/AggravatedRecklessOperation

625455

‐2A 0 RecklessOperationofWatercraft

625455‐2B 0 RecklessOperationwithGreatBodilyHarm

625455‐3 0 InterferencewithNavigation

625455‐4A 16 OverloadingMotorboat

625455‐4B 1 CapacityPlate

625455‐5 0 IncapacityofOperator

625455‐

6 0 Overpowering

625455‐7 58 RestrictedArea,NoWakeW/In150FeetofPublicRamp

625455‐12 104 OperationinNoWakeArea

625455‐13A 0 Passing

625455‐13B 1 Crossing

625455‐13C 0 Overtaking

625455‐13D 0

 SailboatsandRowboats

625455‐14 18 Waterskiing

625455‐14A 14 CompetentObserver,VesselCapacity‐3Persons

625455‐14B 2 HoursforSkiing

625455‐14E 61 DisplayingOrangeFlagWhileTowingPerson

625455‐16A 0 OperatingUndertheInfluence

62545

5‐16A1 0 OperatingUndertheInfluenceAlcohol/Drugs

625455‐16A1a 0 OperatingwithBACOver.08

625455‐16A1b 0 UndertheInfluenceofAlcohol

625455‐16A1c 0 UndertheInfluenceofDrugs

625455‐16A

1d 0 UndertheCombinedInfluenceofAlcohol/Drugs

625455‐16A1e 0 AnyAmountofDruginaPerson’sBloodorUrine

625455‐16E 0 OwnerPermittingOUIOperation

625455‐18 24 YouthfulOperators

625455‐18G1 8 Youthful

Operators‐Violation–PettyOffense

625455‐19 0 SkinDiving150ftShoreline/Diver’sFlag

625455‐20 15 OperationofPWCBetweentheHoursofSunset/Sunrise

625455‐21 65 PassengerLocation

625455‐22B 2 FailuretoYieldtoEmergen cyWatercraftUponApproach

625455

‐22C 0 FailuretoYieldtoEmergencyWatercraftWhenStationary

625456‐1 0 FailuretoRenderAidAfterAccident/ProvideInformation



625456‐1A 1

625456‐1A1 0 FailuretoReportAccidentWithin1Hour

625457‐1 17 LicenseRequired‐Passenger

forHire/BoatRental

625457‐7 4 License/Tag/WeightFailtoDisplay/RentalBoat

625457‐8 0 Livery‐FailureofOwnertoProvideSafetyEquip

625457‐9 2 Registration/PerArticleIII

625457‐10 2 UnlawfulrentingofPWC

6254511A‐1 1 Acatch‐

allforviolationsofboatcode&authorityforadrules.



TOTALVIOLATIONS 2808



 

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 19

BoatRegistrationInspections



Year Region

I

Region

II

Region

III

Region

IV

Region

V

Total

2012 133 176 101 89 67 566

2013 56 88 34 35 15 228

2014 56 95 36 50 27 264

2015 51 170 10 56 19 306

2016 41 78 10 45 15 189

2017 24 88 9 27 23 171

2018 26 79 8 23 10 146

2019 40 35 19 29 13 136

2020 21 32 30 26 16 125

2021 30 57 59 34 35 215

2022 54 41 38 38 54 225

Total 532 939 354 452 294 2,571



BoatRegistrationInspectionsareconductedwhentheownerattemptstoregis teravesselandthetitle,registration,or

hullidentificationnumberismissingorinquestion.Officerswillphysicallyinspectthevesseltoconfirmtheinformation

andconductinvestigationsintothetransferoftitles.Theofficerwillthencompletean

inspection,eitherapprovingor

denyingthetitle/registrationofthevessel.



BoatingPatrolLogReport

     

Year

Boat

Inspections

Vessels

Assisted

#ofPersons

Assisted Citations

Written

Warnings

RecreationalBoat

SafetyHours

2008 12,505 395 746

1,603 3,695 39,998

2009 17,672 330 889

1,960 5,576 21,403

2010 16,080 335 1,400

1,853 5,438 13,363

2011 21,929 987 6,068

1,520 4,581 27,346

2012 20,015 543 1,688

1,230 3,972 50,664

2013 17,512 418 714 1,235 4,525 40,734

2014 15,070 302 549 1,504 5,127 38,275

2015 15,280 375 550 1,415 4,518 42,379

2016 16,937 386 506 1,721 5,258 42,160

2017 15,710 372 529 1,355 4,886 45,725

2018 11,921 220 351 1,045 3,753 33,844

2019 8,624 201 297 735 2,623 39,421

2020 11,700 233 355 863 3,208 24,067

2021 12,133 275 287 734 2,697 28,886

2022 9,161 247 347 591 2,808 29,794

Total 222,249 5,619 15,276 19,364 62,665 518,059

     



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 20



OperatingUndertheInfluence

(OUI)Arrests



Year

Region

I

Region

II

Region

III

Region

IV

Region

V

Other

Agency Total

CPO

Total

2004 39 31 19 21 17 62 189 127

2005 49 34 17 54 31 93 278 185

2006 58 76 23 41 31 73 302 229

2007 36 34 23 30 21 46 190 144

2008 48 32 29 22 23 31 185 154

2009 58 42 18 30 31 36 215 179

2010 40 38 30 24 23 49 204 155

2011 30 17 31 22 21 55 176 121

2012 25 26 22 22 28 86 209 123

2013 29 21 21 7 37 67 182 115

2014 34 47 25 27 26 56 215 159

2015 39 45 35 18 18 11 166 155

2016 29 54 16 20 28 28 175 147

2017 52 63 53 18 56 21 263 242

2018 49 28 24 4 27 NA 132 132

2019 26 32 8 9 28 1 104 103

2020 39 19 9 15 20 15 117 102

2021 19 13 4 5 24 11 76 65

2022 35 12 3 10 12 9 81 72

Total 734 664 410 399 502 750 3,459 2,709

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 21

BoatingAccidentsandAlcohol/DrugUse





OUI

Arrests Injuries Fatalities Vessels

Year

Total

Number

of

OUI

Arrests

Primary

Cause

Alcohol/Drug

Use

Total

Number

of

Injuries

Percentage

Involving

Alcohol/Drug

use

Primary

Cause

Alcohol/Drug

Use

Total

Number

of

Fatalities

Percentage

involving

Alcohol/Drug

Use

Primary

Cause

Alcohol/Drug

Use

Total

Number

of

Vessels

Percentage

Involving

Alcohol/Drug

Use

2000 174 7 76 9.21% 1 14 7.14% 7 231 3.03%

2001 241 10 75 13.33% 2 23 8.70% 11 171 6.43%

2002 275 5 92 5.43% 3 8 37.50% 8 188 4.26%

2003 188 9 63 14.29% 5 13 38.46% 12 122 9.84%

2004 189 2 45 4.44% 5 18 27.78% 7 103 6.80%

2005 278 8 100 8.00% 2 16 12.50% 12 152 7.89%

2006 302 11 66 16.67% 5 18 27.78% 13 119 10.92%

2007 190 3 57 5.26% 1 13 7.69% 7 146 4.79%

2008 185 1 78 1.28% 1 13 7.69% 4 174 2.30%

2009 215 9 71 12.68% 2 25 8.00% 12 137 8.76%

2010 204 10 76 13.16% 6 16 37.50% 16 145 11.03%

2011 176 13 70 18.57% 8 21 38.10% 17 136 12.50%

2012 209 0 69 0.00% 10 19 52.63% 0 135 0.00%

2013 182 3 50 6.00% 3 14 21.43% 8 90 8.89%

2014 215 10 54 18.52% 6 20 30.00% 15 98 15.31%

2015 166 1 49 2.04% 6 14 42.86% 10 96 10.42%

2016 175 3 36 8.33% 3 11 27.27% 11 103 10.68%

2017 263 2 48 4.17% 3 12 25.00% 7 123 5.69%

2018 132 1 34 2.94% 4 18 22.22% 9 91 9.89%

2019 104 5 42 11.90% 7 14 50.00% 9 95 9.47%

2020 117 3 36 12.00% 7 21 33.33% 10 113 8.85%

2021 76 1 28 3.57% 4 16 25.00% 5 147 3.40%

2022 81 5 40 12.50% 0 6  0.00% 3 78 3.84%

Total 4360 122 1355 9.00% 94 363 25.89% 213 2993 7.11%



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 22

RecreationalBoatAccidentReport



TotalNumberof

Accidents

TotalNumberof

Injuries

TotalNumberof

Fatalities

TotalNumberof

Vessels

TotalNumberof

RegisteredBoats

52 40 6 78 187,429



NumberofAccidentsper100,000

RegisteredBoats

NumberofInjuriesper100,000

RegisteredBoats

NumberofFatalitiesper100,000

RegisteredBoats

27.7 21.3 3.2



Fatalities–CauseofDeath Fatalities–LifeJacketUse

   

Boatin

Fatalities



Causeof

Death

Numberof

Fatalities

Percentof

Fatalities Status

Numberof

Fatalities

Percentof

Fatalities

Drownin

 5 83.3% LifeJacketWorn 1 16.7%

Trauma 1 16.7% LifeJacketNotWorn 5 83.3%

Totals 6 100% Totals 6 100%



Fatalities‐‐CauseofDeathandLifeJacketUse Fatalities‐‐VictimActivit



    



LifeJacketUseStatus Boatin

Fatalities

Causeof

Death Worn NotWorn Unknown VictimActivity

Numberof

Fatalities

Percentof

Fatalities

Drownin

 1 4 0 Dockin

 1  16.7%

Trauma 0 1 0 Fishin

 1 16.7%

Totals 1 5 0 InCabin  1 16.7%

 RecreationalCruisin

 2 33.3%

 RecreationalPaddlin

 1 16.7%

   Totals 6 100%



Fatalities‐‐VesselT

e Fatalities‐‐VesselT

eandLifeJacketUse

 

  

Boatin

Fatalities  LifeJacketUseStatus

VesselType

Numberof

Fatalities

Percentof

Fatalities VesselType Worn NotWorn Unknown 

CabinMotorboat 3 50.0% CabinMotorboat 0 3 0

Canoe 1 16.7% Canoe 0 1 0

ak 1 16.7% Ka

ak 1 0 0

enMotorboat 1 16.7% O

enMotorboat 0 1 0

Totals 6 100% Totals 1 5 0





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 23



Injuries–InjuryCausePrimaryandLifeJacketUse Injuries–VictimActivity





LifeJacketUseStatus BoatingInjuries

InjuryCausePrimary Worn NotWorn Unknown VictimActivity

Numberof

Injuries

Percent

of

Injuries

ImpactwithBoat 3 23 0 Diving/Swimming 3 7.5%

ImpactwithFixed/

FloatingObject

0 2 0 RecreationalBoating 32 80.0%

ImpactwithWater 4 0 0 Racing 2 5.0%

StruckbyBoat 4 0 0 Skiing/Tubing 3 7.5%

StruckbyPropeller 0 4 0 Totals 40 100%

Totals 11 29 0   

   





Injuries–PrimaryTypeofInjury Injuries–InjuryCausePrimary









PrimaryTypeofInjury

Numberof



Percentof



InjuryCausePrimary

Numberof



Percentof



Amputation 2 5.0% ImpactwithBoat 26 65.0%

BackInjury 2 5.0% ImpactwithFixed/FloatingObject 2 5.0%

BrokenBones 8 20.0% ImpactwithWater 4 10.0%

Burns 3 7.5% StruckbyBoat 4 10.0%

Contusion 3  7.5% StruckbyPropeller 4 10.0%

Dislocation 1 2.5% Totals 40 100%

HeadInjury 4 10.0%

InternalInjuries 3 7.5%

Laceration 11 27.5%

Shock 1 2.5%

Sprain/Strain 2 5.0%

Totals 40 100%

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 24

AccidentsbyMonth

(10/01/2021–09/30/2022)



Month

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

January 0 0 0 0

February 0 0 0 0

March 0 0 0 0

April 1 0 1 1

May 8 18 2 12

June 12 4 1 20

July 9 4 0 12

August 16 12 1  25

September 4 2 0 6

October 0 0 0 0

November 1 0 0 1

December 1 0 1 1

Total 52 40 6 78



AccidentsbyDayofWeek



DayofWeek

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatali ties #Vessels

Sunday 12 8 2 17

Monday 7 6 1 9

Tuesday 5 2 0 6

Wednesday 2 0 1 3

Thursday 3 0 0 6

Friday 10 4 1 17

Saturday 13 20 1 20

Total 52 40 6 78



AccidentsbyTimeofDay



Time #Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

12:01A.M.–6:00A.M. 1 0 0 1

6:01A.M.–12:00P.M. 4 1 0 6

12:01P.M.–6:00P.M. 29 30 3 43

6:01P.M.–12:00A.M. 18 9 3 28

Total 52 40 6 78



 

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 25

AccidentsbyWaterConditions



Water

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Calm(WavesLessThan6’’) 28 18 4 42

Choppy(Waves6’’‐2’) 15 18 2 24

Rough(Waves2’–6’) 9 4 0 12

Total 52 40 6 78



AccidentsbyWeatherConditions



Weather

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Clear 40 33 6 63

Cloudy 12 7 0 15

Total 52 40 6 78



AccidentsbyWindConditions



Wind

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Light(0‐12Mph) 30 18 3 47

Moderate(13‐24Mph) 15 20 2 22

Strong(25‐54Mph) 6 1 1 8 

Unknown 1 1 0 1 

Total 52 40 6 78



AccidentsbyVisibility



Visibility

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Fair 6 1 2 8

Good 46 39 4  70

Total 52 40 6 78



 

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 26

AccidentCauses/ContributingFactors(PrimaryCause/Factor)



PrimaryCause

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Alcohol/DrugUse 5 0 3

Careless/RecklessOperation 2 0 15

CongestedWaters 0 0 2

DidNotContribute 4 0 16

ExcessiveSpeed 3 0 3

ForceofWake 0 0 1

MachineryFailure 0 0 4

OperatorInattention 4 2 12

OperatorInexperience 0 1 2

Overloading 0 0 2

Passenger/SkierBehavior 4 0 4

RestrictedVision 2 0 2

RulesofRoadInfraction 1 0 2

SharpTurn 0 1 1

Standing/SittinginanInappropriatePosition 1 1 2

Unknown 14 1 5

Weather 0 0 2

Total 40 6 78

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

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 27

AccidentTypes(PrimaryType)



TypeofAccident

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Capsizing 0 1 3

CollisionwithAnotherVessel 7 0 36

CollisionwithFixedObject 0 0 5

CollisionwithFloatingObject 4 0 3

FallsinBoat 1 0 1

FallsOverboard 0 4 6

FireorExplosion(Fuel) 14 1 3

FireorExplosion(OtherThanFuel) 0 0 1

Flooding/Swamping 0 0 2

Grounding 0 0 2

OccupantImpactsVessel 1 0 1

Other‐GrabbingaBranch 1 0 1

PersonDepartedVessel 1 0 1

PersonEjectedfromAVessel 2 0 2

SkierMishap 2 0 2

StruckbyBoat 3 0 3

StruckbyMotororPropeller 1 0 1

StruckSubmergedObject 3 0 4

Unknown 0 0 1

Total 40 6 78



AccidentsbyVesselType



TypeofVessel

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

AuxiliarySail 2 0 2

CabinMotorboat 17 3 13

Canoe 0 1 1

Kayak 1 1 2

OpenMotorboat 11 1 31

PersonalWatercraft 9 0 17

PontoonBoat 0 0 8

Unknown 0 0 4

Total 40 6 78

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 

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 28

VesselOperationattheTimeofAccident



VesselOperation

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

AtAnchor

3 0 2

BeingTowed

0 0 3

ChangingDirection

0 1 1

ChangingSpeed

0 0 5

ChangingSpeed,ChangingDirection

2 0 5

ChangingSpeed,Cruising

0 0 1

ChangingSpeed,Cruising,ChangingDirection

1 0 3

Cruising

12 1 31

Cruising,ChangingDirection

1 0 3

Docking/Undocking

0 1 1

Drifting

1 1 4

Other‐Beached

1 0 1

Rowing/Paddling

1 1 2

Sailing

2 0 2

TiedtoDock/Mooring

14 1 8

WakeorSurfJumping

2 0 3

Unknown

0 0 3

Total 40 6 78



AccidentsbyVesselLength



VesselLengthinFeet

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Unknown

1

0 4

LessThan16Feet

10

1 20

16FeetTo<26Feet

11

2 33

26FeetTo<40Feet

2

2 18

40FeetTo65Feet

16

1 3

>65Feet 0 0 0

Total 40 6 78

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

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 29

OperatorBoatingSafetyEducation



OperatorEducation

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

StateCourse 7 0 11

U.S.C.G.Auxiliary 3 0 4

None 11 5 43

Unknown 19 1 20

Total 40 6 78



Operator’sOverallBoatingExperience(inHours)



OperatorExperience

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Under10hours 4 1 11

10‐100hours 4 3 19

Over100hours 17 1 35

Unknown 15 1 13

Total 40 6 78



AccidentsbyOperatorAge



OperatorAge

#Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

0To10Years 0 0 0

11To20Years 2 0 4

21To30Years 3 2 11

31To40Years 8 0 14

41To50Years 8 2 19

51To60Years 2 1 11

61To70Years 2 0 6

71To80Years 0 0 1

81YearsorMore 0 0 0

Unknown 15 1 12

1Total 40 6 78



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 30

AccidentStatisticsByBodyofWater



BodyofWater #Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

BaldwinLake 1 0 0 1

CalumetSagChannel 1 3 0 1

ChicagoRiver 3 0 0 6

ClintonLake 2 2 0 2

EastForkLake 1 1 0 1

FoxLake 2 1 0 4

FoxRiver 4 3 0 6

GrassLake 2 1 0 2

HolidayShoresLake 1 0 0 2

IllinoisRiver 4 15 1 7

KankakeeRiver 2 3 0 3

KaskaskiaRiver 2 3 0 2

LakeMarie 1 0 0 2

LakeMichigan 11 5 1 17

LakeofEgypt 1 0 0 2

LakeShelbyville 1 0 1 1

LakeSpringfield 1 0 0 2

LakeSummerset 1 0 0 2

LakeTaylorville 1 0 0 2

LincolnLake 1 0 0 2

LittleCalumetRiver 1 0 1 1

MatanzaLake 1 0 1 1

MississippiRiver 1 0 0 1

NippersinkRiver 1 0 0 2

RoundLake 1 1 0 2

SangamonRiver 1 1 0 1

SequoitCreek 1 1 0 1

SpringLake 1 0 0 1

TenMileCreekStateFishandWildlife 1 0 1 1

Total 52 40 6 78





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 31

BodyofWaterBrokenDownbyCounty

BodyofWater #Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

BaldwinLake

StClairCounty 1 0 0 1

Subtotal 1 0 0  1

CalumetSagChannel 

CookCounty 1 3 0 1

Subtotal 1 3 0  1

ChicagoRiver

CookCounty 3 0 0 6

Subtotal 3 0 0  6

ClintonLake

DeWittCounty 2 2 0 2

Subtotal 2 2 0  2

EastForkLake

RichlandCounty 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 1 1 0  1

FoxLake

LakeCounty 2 1 0  4

Subtotal 2 1 0  4

FoxRiver

LakeCounty 1 1 0  1

McHenryCounty 3 2 0 5

Subtotal 4 3 0  6

GrassLake

LakeCounty 2 1 0  2

Subtotal 2 1 0  2

HolidayShoresLake 

MadisonCounty 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

IllinoisRiver 

LaSalleCounty 2 14 1 4

MasonCounty 1 0 0 2

PutnamCounty 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 4 15 1 7

KankakeeRiver

KankakeeCounty 1 1 0 1

WillCounty 1 2 0 2

Subtotal 2 3 0  3

KaskaskiaRiver 

St.ClairCounty 2 3 0 2

Subtotal 2 3 0  2

LakeMarie 

LakeCounty 1 0 0  2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

LakeMichigan

CookCounty 10 5 0 16

Subtotal 10 5 0 16

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 32

BodyofWaterBrokenDownbyCounty



BodyofWater #Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

LakeofEgypt 

WilliamsonCounty 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

LakeShelbyville

MoultrieCounty 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 1 0 1  1

LakeSpringfield

SangamonCounty 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

LakeSummerset

StephensonCounty 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

LakeTaylorville

ChristianCounty 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

LincolnLake

GrundyCounty 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

LittleCalumetRiver 

CookCounty 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 1 0 1  1

MatanzaLake 

MasonCounty 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 1 0 1  1

MississippiRiver 

CarrollCounty 1 0 0 1

Subtotal 1 0 0  1

NippersinkLake 

LakeCounty 1 0 0  2

Subtotal 1 0 0  2

RoundLake 

LakeCounty 1 1 0  2

Subtotal 1 1 0  2

SangamonRiver 

MaconCounty 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 1 1 0  1

SequoitCreek 

LakeCounty 1 1 0  1

Subtotal 1 1 0  1

SpringLake 

LakeCounty 1 0 0  1

Subtotal 1 0 0  1

TenMileCreekStateFishandWildlifeStripPit

JeffersonCounty 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 1 0 1  1

Total 52 40 6 78



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 33

AccidentStatisticsByCounty



County

#Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

Carroll 1 0 0 1

Christian 1 0 0 2

Cook 16 8 2 25

DeWitt 2 2 0 2

Grundy 1 0 0 2

Jefferson 1 0 1 1

Kankakee 1 1 0 1

Lake 10 5 0 15

LaSalle 2 14 1 4

Macon 1 1 0 1

Madison 1 0 0 2

Mason 2 0 1 3

McHenry 3 2 0 5

Moultrie 1 0 1 1

Putnam 1 1 0 1

Richland 1 1 0 1

Sangamon 1 0 0 2

St.Clair 3 3 0 3

Stephenson 1 0 0 2

Will 1 2 0 2

Williamson 1 0 0 2

Totals 52 40 6 78





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 34

CountiesBrokenDownbyBodyofWater



County #Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

CarrollCounty 

MississippiRiver 1 0 0  1

Subtotal 1 0 0 1

ChristianCounty

LakeTaylorville 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0 2

CookCounty 

CalumetSagChannel 1 3 0  1

ChicagoRiver 3 0 0 6

LakeMichigan 10 5 0 16

LittleCalumetRiver 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 15 8 1 24

DeWittCounty 

ClintonLake 2 2 0 2

Subtotal 2 2 0 2

GrundyCounty 

LincolnLake 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0 2

JeffersonCounty 

TenMileCreekStateFishandWildlifeStripPit 1  0 1 1

Subtotal 1 0 1 1

KankakeeCounty 

KankakeeRiver 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 1 1 0 1

LakeCounty 

FoxLake 2 1 0 4

FoxRiver 1 1 0 1

GrassLake 2 1 0 2

LakeMarie 1 0 0 2

NippersinkLake 1 0 0 1

RoundLake 1 1 0  2

SequoitCreek 1 1 0 1

SpringLake 1 0 0  1

Subtotal 10 5 0 15

LaSalleCounty

IllinoisRiver 2 14 1 4

Subtotal 2 14 1 4

MaconCounty    

SangamonRiver 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 1 1 0 1

   

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 35

CountiesBrokenDownbyBodyofWater

County #Accidents #Injuries #Fatalities #Vessels

MadisonCounty 

HolidayShoresLake 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0 2

MasonCounty 

IllinoisRiver 1 0 0 2

MatanzaLake 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 2 0 1 3

McHenryCounty 

FoxRiver 3 2 0 5

Subtotal 3 2 0 5

MoultrieCounty 

LakeShelbyville 1 0 1 1

Subtotal 1 0 1 1

PutnamCounty 

IllinoisRiver 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 1 1 0 1

RichlandCounty

EastForkLake 1 1 0 1

Subtotal 1 1 0 1

SangamonCounty 

LakeSpringfield 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0 2

St.ClairCounty

BaldwinLake 1 0 0 1

KaskaskiaRiver 2  3 0 2

Subtotal 3 3 0 3

StephensonCounty 

LakeSummerset 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0 2

WillCounty    

KankakeeRiver 1 2 0 2

Subtotal 1 2 0 2

WilliamsonCounty 

LakeofEgypt 1 0 0 2

Subtotal 1 0 0 2

Total 52 40 6 78



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 36

FatalBoatAccidentsStatisticalSummary–FederalFiscalYear2022



Accident

Number

Fatality

Number

Date/

Time

Dayof

Week

Water

Body

County

#

Injured

#

Vessels

PFD

Use

Causeof

Death

Age

Victim

Activity

Weather/

Visibility

Water

Conditions

Wind

Conditions

1 1

12/19/21

12:14PM

Sunday

TenMileCreek

StateFishand

WildlifeStrip

Pit

Jefferson 0 1 No Drowning 66 Fishing

Clear/

Good

Calm

(Waves<6'')

Light

(0‐6Mph)

2 2

04/10/2022

3:28PM

Sunday MatanzaLake Mason 0 1 Yes Drowning 27

Recreational

Paddling

Clear/

Good

Choppy

(Waves6''–

2’)

Strong

(15‐25Mph)

3 3

05/13/2022

10:45PM

Friday

Lake

Shelbyville

Moultrie 0 1 No Drowning 33

Recreational

Cruising

Clear/

Fair

Calm

(Waves<6'')

Light

(0‐12Mph)

4 4

05/28/2022

4:25PM

Saturday IllinoisRiver LaSalle 14 3 No Trauma 45 InCabin

Clear/

Good

Calm

(Waves<6'')

Light

(0‐6Mph)

5 5

06/27/2022

8:56PM

Monday

LittleCalumet

River

Cook 0 1 No Drowning 50 Docking

Clear/

Fair

Calm

(Waves<6'')

Moderate

(7‐14Mph)

6 6

08/17/2022

7:00PM

Wednesday LakeMichigan Cook 0 1 No Drowning 29

Recreational

Cruising

Clear/

Good

Calm

(Waves<6'')

Light

(0‐6Mph)



Accident

Number

Fatality

Number

Date/

Time

TypeofAccident

Primary

Vessel

Type

Vessel

Length

CauseofAccident

Primary

Operator

Age

Operator

Education

Operator

Experience

Vessel

Operations

1 1

12/19/2021

12:14PM

FallsOverboard Canoe 16’ Standing/SittinginanInappropriatePosition 59 None Over100Hours Drifting

2 2

04/10/2022

3:28PM

Capsizing Kayak 8’ OperatorInexperience 27 None Under10Hours Paddling

3 3

05/13/2022

10:45PM

FallsOverboard OpenMotorboat 17’ SharpTurn 25 None 10To100Hours Cruising

4 4

05/28/2022

4:25PM

FireOrExplosion(Fuel) CabinMotorboat 42’ Unknown NoOperator None

5 5

06/27/2022

8:56PM

FallsOverboard CabinMotorboat 27’ OperatorInattention 50 None 10To100Hours Docking

6 6

08/17/2022

7:00PM

FallsOverboard CabinMotorboat 39’ OperatorInattention 42 None Unknown Cruising



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 37

FatalBoatAccidentNarratives–FederalFiscalYear2022



1) On12/19/21atapproximately12:14PM,thevictim,afriend,andthefriend’sdogwerefishingfromacanoeon

thestrippitatTenMileCreekStateFishandWildlifeArea.Thevictimcaughtafish,anditflipped

underhis

seatedposition.Thevictimwastryingtoobtainthefish,andthedogapproachedandwasafterthefishaswell.

Thecanoeflippedasaresultoftheincident.Thefriendsaidhewasintheprocessofswimmingtoshoreand

lookedatthevictimswimmingon

hisbackinanattempttogettoshore.Thefriendsaidhewasencouragingthe

victimtomakeittoshore.Thevictimdisappearedunderwater.ConservationPolicelocatedthevictim’sbody,

andBentonSearchandRescuedeployeddiversandremovedthevictimfromthewaterat4:10PM.The

victim

hadnovisiblesignsofinjury.Theydidnotwearlifejackets,anditwaslaterdiscoveredthatnolifejacketswere

aboardthecanoe.Thecauseofdeathwasdrowning.



ACCIDENT_DATE TOTAL_DECEASED CAUSE_PRIMARY CAUSE_SECONDARY CAUSE_TERTIARY

12/19/2021 1

Standing/Sitting

InInappropriatePosition

ImproperLoading SwimmingAbility

FailuretoWearaPersonalFloatationDevice(PFD)



2) On4/10/22atapproximately1:30PM,thevictimandthreefriendswentkayakingacrossMatanzasLake.

Halfwaytothedestination,thevictimattemptedtoturnbackduetohazardouswaters.Hiskayakoverturned,

andhefellintothewater.Accordingtoonefriend,thewind andwavesweretoo

strong,andthevictimwas

unabletogetbackintohiskayak.Thevictimwasabletoholdonto oneofhisfriend’skayakastheydrifted

towardafloodedtreeline.Accordingtothefriend,thevictimwasverycoldandstrugglingtohangontothe

kayak.The

frienddecidedtogethelp,andwhenheleft,thevictimwasholdingontoatreestumpandtryingto

keephisheadabovewater.Thefriendwasabletocontactrescuepersonnelwhenhereturnedtoshore.The

victimwasretrievedfromthewateratapproximately3:55PM.Rescuepersonnel

indicatedthevictimwas

wearingaPFDatthetimeofrescue.Thecauseofdeathisdrowning.



ACCIDENT_DATE TOTAL_DECEASED  CAUSE_PRIMARY CAUSE_SECONDARY CAUSE_TERTIARY

4/10/2022 1 OperatorInexperience HazardousWaters ColdWaterImmersion



3) On05/13/22atapproximately10:40PM,thevictimandthreefriendswereboatingonLakeShelbyville.Thefour

menhadlaunchedtheoperator'sboatfromtheBoWoodboatramp.Thevictimwassittingonthefrontdeckof

theboat,facingtherear,withhisfeetonthe

floor.Theoperatorheadedwestfromtheboatrampatacruising

speed.Themenstatedthatastheoperatormaneuveredtotheright,thevictimlostbalancefromhisseated

positionandfelloutoftheboatovertheportside.Oneofthepassengersplacedalifejacket

onanddoveinto

theareaw.erehesawthevictim'shand.Hewasunabletomakecontactwiththevictim,andtheydidnotsee

himagain.On5/14/22,thevictim'sbodywaslocated,andhewaspronounceddead at11:10PM.Thecauseof

deathwasdrowning,with

coldexposure(hypothermia) ascontributingfactor.



ACCIDENT_DATE TOTAL_DECEASED CAUSE_PRIMARY CAUSE_SECONDARY CAUSE_TERTIARY

5/13/2022 1 SharpTurn SwimmingAbility



FailuretoWearaPersonalFloatationDevice(PFD)





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 38



4) On5/28/22atapproximately4:29PM,thevictim,alongwith19otherpassengers,weredockedontheboatat

theSpringbrookMarinaontheIllinoisRiverinLaSalleCounty.Passengersstatedtheygotontheboataround2‐

2:30PM.Thevictimdrovetheboatfromtheslipto

thefueldock.Theboatwasnotmaneuveringproperlyasthe

portsidemotorwasrunning,butthestarboardmotorwasnotrunning.Theboatwasalsofueledwith273

gallonsofgas.Passengersreportedtheysmelledgasfumescomingfromthecabin,andtheyalsosawfuelinthe

water.

Theboatexplodedandwasfullyengulfed.Fifteenpassenge rs onboardtheboatwereinjured.Duetothe

explosion,apontoonboat,aPWC,andthefuelstationweredamaged.Thevictimwaslife‐flightedtoLoyola

Hospitalduetoburnsonhisbody.Theemergencypersonneltransportedtherestof

theinjuredtotheMorris

andOttawahospitals.On6/24/22,thevictimdiedFro mhis injuriessustainedintheexplosion.



ACCIDENT_DATE TOTAL_DECEASED CAUSE_PRIMARY CAUSE_SECONDARY CAUSE_TERTIARY

5/28/2022 1 Unknown

IgnitionOfSpilled

FuelOrVapors



5) On6/27/2022atapproximately8:56PM,thevictimwasattemptingtotieoffthebowofhisvesseltothedock

whenheslippedandfellfromtheboatintothewater.ThevictimwasnotwearingaPFDatthetimeofthe

accident.Thepassengeronboard

heardthevictimfalloverboardandsawhimstrugglingtoremainatthe

surfaceofthewater.Thepassengerattemptedtohelpthevictimbutwasunsuccessful.Thepassengerthen

called911andwaitedforpoliceandfiretoarrive.Thefiredepartmentwasabletoretrievethevictimfrom

the

water.Thevictimwaspronounceddeceasedat11:57PM.Nofoulplaywassuspected.CookCountyMedical

Examiner'sOfficedidnotperformanautopsyortoxicology.



ACCIDENT_DATE TOTAL_DECEASED CAUSE_PRIMARY CAUSE_SECONDARY CAUSE_TERTIARY

6/27/2022 1 OperatorInattention SwimmingAbility



FailuretoWearaPersonalFloatationDevice(PFD)





6) On8/17/22atapproximately7:00PM,thevictimandsixotherpassengerswereonaboatlocatedonLake

Michigan.Thevictimandsixpassengersboardedthevesselat31

StreetHarbor.Thevictimfelloverboardwhile

theboatwasonplanenearAnchorageArea"C."Thepersonwasinthewaterforapproximately2minutesand

didnotresurface.USCGwasthefirsttoarriveonthescene.Anotherpassenger wastransportedto

NorthwesternHospital.On8/20/22atapproximately

4:46PM,thevictimwasrecoveredfromAnchorageArea

"C."Thecauseofdeathwasdrowning.



ACCIDENT_DATE TOTAL_DECEASED CAUSE_PRIMARY CAUSE_SECONDARY CAUSE_TERTIARY

8/17/2022 1 OperatorInattention NoProperLookout Unknown

FailuretoWearaPersonalFloatationDevice(PFD)



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 39

Glossary



Airboat‐Avesselthatistypicallyflat‐bottomedandpropelledbyanaircraft‐typepropellerpoweredbyanengine.



AtAnchor‐Heldinplaceinthewaterbyananchor;includes“moored”toabuoyoranchoredvesseland“dragging

anchor”.



AuxiliarySail‐Avesselwithsail

asitsprimarymethodofpropulsionandmechanicalpropulsionasitssecondary

method.



CabinMotorboat‐Avesselpropelledbypropulsionmachineryandprovidingenclosedspacesinsideitsstructure.



Canoe‐Asmallnarrowboatpropelledbypaddles.Canoesusuallyarepointedatbothbowandsternandare

normally

openontopbutcanbecovered.



Capsizing‐Overturningofavessel.



CarbonMonoxidePoisoning‐Deathorinjuryresultingfromanodorless,colorlessgasgeneratedfromauxiliaryboat

equipment(stoves,heaters,refrigerators,generators,hotwaterheaters,etc.),anotherboat’s exhaust,ortheexhaust

ofthevesselonwhichpersons

wereeitheraboardorincloseproximity.



CollisionwithFixedObject‐Thestrikingofanyfixedobjectaboveorbelowthesurfaceofthewater.



CollisionwithFloatingObject‐Collisionwithanywaterborneobjectaboveorbelowthesurfacethatis

freetomovewiththetide,current,

orwind,exceptanothervessel.



CollisionwithCommercial/Governmental/RecreationalVessel‐Anystrikingtogetheroftwoormorevessels,

regardlessofoperationatthetimeoftheaccident,isacollision.



CollisionwithSubmergedObject‐Aboat’scollisionwithanywaterborneorfixedobjectthatisbelowthesurfaceof

the

water.



CongestedWaters‐Wherethebodyofwateriseithertoosmallornarrowtosafelyaccommodatethenumberof

boatsonit.



Cruising‐Proceedingnormally,unrestricted,withanabsenceofdrasticrudderorenginechanges.



DepartedVessel‐Anaccidentwhereapersonvoluntarilydisembarksavessel

byhis/herownwill(i.e.,bydivingoff,

jumpingin),asopposedtoacasewherethepersonisforcefullyejectedbyachangeinthevesselspeedand/or

direction.



DocumentedVessel‐AvesseloffiveormorenettonsownedbyacitizenoftheUnitedStatesandused

exclusivelyfor

pleasurewithavalidmarinedocumentissuedbytheCoastGuard.Documentedvesselsarenotnumbered.



Drifting‐Underwaybutproceedingoverthebottomwithouttheuseofengines,oars,orsails;beingcarriedalong

onlybythetide,current, orwind. 



Electrocution‐Deathorinjuryresulting

fromanelectricalcurrentthatcomesincontactwithwatercausing

electrocutionofthevictim.



ExcessiveSpeed‐Speedabovethatwhichareasonableandprudentpersonwouldhaveoperatedunderthe

conditionsthatexisted.Itisnotnecessarilyaspeedinexcessofapostedlimit.



FailuretoVent

‐Priortostartingtheengine,failuretoturnonthepoweredventilationsystemthatbrings in“freshair”

andexpelsgasolinevaporsfromtheengineco mpartment.



FallinVessel‐Anyoperatororpassengerwhoslips,trips,orfallsonboardorwithinthevessel.

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 40



FallsOverboard‐Anyoperatororpassengerwhofallsoffofthevessel.



Fiberglasshull‐Hullsoffiber‐reinforcedplastic.Thelaminateconsistsoftwobasiccomponents,thereinforcing

material(glassfilaments)andtheplasticorresininwhichitisembedded.



Fire/Explosion(fuel)‐Accidentalcombustionofvesselfuel,

liquids,includingtheirvapors,orothersubstances

suchaswood.



Fire/Explosion(other)‐Accidentalburningorexplosionofanymaterialonboardexceptvesselfuelsortheirvapors.



Flooding/Swamping‐Fillingwithwater,regardlessofmethodofingress,butretainingsufficientbuoyancyto

remainonthesurface.



ForceofWave/Wake‐

Thetrackinthewaterofamovingboat;commonlyusedforthedisturbanceofthewater

(waves)resultingfromthepassageoftheboat’shull.



Fueling‐Anystageofthefuelingoperation;primarilyconcernedwiththeintroductionof

explosiveorcombustiblevaporsorliquidsonboard.



Grounding‐Running

agroundofavessel,strikingorpoundingonrocks,reefs,orshoals;stranding.



HazardousWaters‐Rapidtidalflows(theverticalmovementofwater)and/orcurrents(thehorizontalflowof

water)resultinginhazardousconditionsinwhichtooperateaboat.



Houseboat‐Amotorize dvesselthatisusuallynon‐

planinganddesignedprimarilyformulti‐purpose

accommodationspaceswithlowfreeboardandlittleornoforedeckorcockpit.



HullFailure‐Defectorfailureofthestructuralbodyofavessel(i.e.,hullmaterial,design,orconstruction),

notincludingsuperstructure,masts,orrigging.



IgnitionofSpilledFuelorVapor

‐Accidentalcombustionofvesselfuel,liquids,and/ortheirvapors.



ImproperAnchoring‐Whereaboatiseitherintheprocessofbeinganchoredincorrectlyorincorrectlyheldinplace

inthewaterbyananchor.



ImproperLoading‐Loading,includingweight shifting,ofthevesselcausinginstability,limited

maneuverability,or

dangerouslyreducedfreeboard.



ImproperLookout‐Noproperwatch;thefailureoftheoperatortoperceivedangerbecause noonewasservingas

alookout,orthepersonsoservingfailedinthatregard.Everyvesselshallatalltimesmaintainaproperlook‐outby

sightandhearingaswell

asbyallavailablemeansappropriateintheprevailingcircumstancesandconditionssoas

tomakeafullappraisalofthesituationandtheriskofcollision.



Inboard–Anenginemountedinsidetheconfinesofavesselthatpowersadriveshaftthatturnsawaterjetimpeller

or

thatrunsthroughtheb ottomofthehullandisattachedtoapropellerattheotherend.



Inflatable‐Avesselthatusesair‐filledflexiblefabricforbuoyancy.



Kayak‐Asmallboatwithacockpitthatispropelledbyadouble‐bladedpaddle byasittingpaddler.



Inadequate

On‐boardNavigationLights‐Insufficientand/orimproperlightsshownbyaboatthatindicate

course,position,andoccupation,suchasfishingortowing.



MachineryFailure‐Defectand/orfailureinthemachineryormaterial,designorconstruction,orcomponents

installedbythemanufacturerinvolvedinthemechanicalpropulsionofthe

boat(e.g.,engine,transmission,fuel

system,electricsystem,andsteeringsystem).



MissingorInadequateNavigationAids‐Theabsenceoforineffectivepresenceofnavigationaids.

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 41



Motorboat‐Anyvesselequippedwithpropulsionmachinery.



NavigationRulesViolation‐Violationofthestatutoryandregulatoryrulesgoverningthena vigationofvessels.



Numberedvessel‐Anundocumentedvesselnumberedbyastatewithanapprovednumbering

systemunderChapter123oftitle46,U.S.C.



OpenMotorboat‐Avessel

equippedwithpropulsi onmachinery andhavinganopenload‐carryingareathatdoesnot

haveacontinuousdecktoprotectitfromtheentryofwater.



OperatorInattention‐Failureonthepartoftheoperatortopayattentiontothevessel,itsoccupants,orthe

environmentinwhichthe

vesselisoperating.



OperatorInexperience‐Lackofpracticalexperi enceorknowledgeinoperatingavesselor,moreparticularly,

thevesselinvolvedintheaccident.



Outboard‐Anenginewithapropellerorwaterjetintegrallyattached,whichisusuallymountedatthesternofa

vessel.



Overloading‐Excessiveloading

ofthevesselcausinginstability,limitedmaneuverability,dangerouslyreduced

freeboard,etc.



Paddlecraft‐Avesselpoweredonlybyitsoccupants,usingasingleordouble‐bladedpaddleasaleverwithouttheaid

ofafulcrumprovidedbyoarlocks,tholepins,crutches,orsimilararrangements.



PeopleonGunwale,Bow,or

Transom‐Standing/Sittingontheupperedgeofthesideofaboat,usuallyona

smallprojectionabovethedeck;and/orstanding/sittingonthemo stforwardpartoftheboat;and/or

standing/sittingonthebackoftheboat.



PersonStruckbyVessel‐Apersonisstruckbyaboat.



PersonStruckbyPropeller‐Apersonisstruckbythepropeller,propulsionunit,orsteeringmachin ery.



PersonalWatercraft‐Avesselpropelledbyawater‐jetpumporothermachineryasitsprim arysourceofmotive

poweranddesignedtobeoperatedbyapersonsitting,standing,orkneeling

onthevesselratherthansittingor

standingwithinthevessel'shull.



Poddrive‐Anenginemountedinfrontofthetransomofavesselandattachedthroughthebottomofthehulltoa

steerablepropulsionunit.



PontoonBoat‐Avesselwithabroad,flatdeckthatis

affixedontopofclosedcylinderswhichareusedforbuoyancy,

thebasicdesignofwhichisusuallyimplementedwithtworowsoffloatsasacatamaranorwiththreerowsoffloats

asatrimaran.



RestrictedVision‐Avesseloperator'svisionissaidtoberestrictedwhenitis

limitedbyavessel'sbowhightrimorby

glare,sunlight,brightlights,adirtywindshield,spray,acanopytop,etc.



Rowboat‐Anopenvesselmanuallypropelledbyoars.



Sail(only)‐Avesselpropelledonlybysails.



SharpTurn‐Animmediateorabruptchangeintheboat’scourse

ofdirection.



Sinking‐Losingenoughbuoyancytosettlebelowthesurfaceofthewater.



Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 42

SkierMishap‐Skiermishapisdefinedbypersons(1)fallingofftheirwaterskis,(2)strikingafixedorsubmerged

object,or(3)becomingentangledorstruckbythetowline.Alsoincludesmishapsinvolvinginnertubesandother

devicesonwhichapersoncanbetowedbehindaboat.



StandupPaddleboard‐Avessel,typically7’–15’inlengthwithenoughwidthandflotationtostayafloatwithout

momentumwhileboarded,thatispropelledbyastandingoperatorwiththeuseofasingleordouble‐bladedpaddle. 



StartinginGear‐Theboat’sengineisstartedwiththe

transmissioninforwardorreverse.



Steelhull‐Hullsofsheetsteelorsteelalloy,notthosewithsteelribsandwood,canvas,orplastichullcoverings.



Sterndrive‐Anengine,poweringapropellerthroughaseriesofshaftsandgears,mountedinfrontofthetransom

ofavesseland

attachedthroughthetransomtoadri v eunitthatissimilartothelowerunitofanoutboard;and

mayalsobeknownasaninboard‐outdriveoraninboard‐outboard.



SuddenMedicalCondition‐Anincidentwhereapersononavesselexperiencesanunexpectedmedicalco ndition.



Towing‐Engaged

intowinganyvesselorobjectotherthanaperson.



Weather‐Asacontributingfactorofanaccident,“Weather”issupposedtosignifyastormyorwindycondition,

usuallyconnotingroughorhighseasanddangerousoperatingconditions.



WoodHull‐Hullsofplywood,moldedplywood,woodplanking,or

anyotherwoodfiberinitsnaturalconsistency,

includingthoseofwoodenconstruction thathavebeen“sheathed”withmetal.





Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 43

WatercraftFrequentlyAskedQuestions

1. Duplicate/Lost Decals or Titles

0. I have misplaced my watercraft title and wish to sell my boat; what do I do?

1. I have lost my title; how can I obtain another one?

2. I lost my registration card; how do I obtain a new one?

3. I lost my registration card and have moved; how do I obtain a new card and change

my address?

4. I lost my decals; how do I obtain another set? I had my boat painted, and they had to

remove my decals; how can I obtain replacements?

5. What is the fee for a duplicate and/or corrected watercraft titles, registration cards,

and decals?

2. Questions Regarding Applications

0. Why is my Online transaction still in pending status?

1. Have you received my watercraft paper application, and is it being processed?

2. Where do I mail my watercraft application?

3. To whom do I make my check payable for my watercraft title/registration?

4. I have moved and have not received my title, registration card, or decals.

5. How long does it take for my application to be processed?

6. I mailed my paperwork to your office last week. Have you received it?

3. Purchasing a Watercraft

0. I purchased a brand new boat or a boat that was titled/registered out-of-state. What

do I need to title/register the boat in my name in Illinois?

1. I purchased a boat that has no hull ID number or previous registration. What do I do?

2. I purchased a boat from someone who had it titled/registered in Illinois. How do I

transfer it into my name?

3. I purchased a watercraft that was titled in Illinois and one of the owners listed on the

title is deceased, and the boat was not titled in joint tenancy. What do I need to

transfer the title/registration into my name?

4. Where can I go to purchase my watercraft title, registration card, and/or decals over

the counter?

5. I made a boat. How do I get it titled/registered?

4. Renewing a Watercraft

0. How can I renew my watercraft registration?

1. I renewed my watercraft registration Online or over the phone; will I receive a new

registration card and decals?

5. Watercraft Regulations and Tax Questions

0. Do I have to title my boat?

1. What class is my boat?

2. How much does it cost to title/register my boat?

3. Do I still need to purchase a water usage stamp for my canoe/kayak?

4. I have not yet received my watercraft title, registration card, or decals. Can I still go

boating?

5. I purchased a boat without a title. How can I title the boat in my name?

6. What equipment is required for me to legally operate my watercraft?

7. How can I add a lien holder to my watercraft title? How can I remove an owner from

my watercraft title?

8. Where do I mail my tax form?

6. General Questions

0. How can I obtain the history of a watercraft I previously owned in order to apply for a

Captain's license?

1. How can I find out who owns a boat and if there is a lien holder on record?

2. My boat has been scrapped, junked, or destroyed; what do I need to do?

3. A customer owes me storage and/or repair fees for their boat. What can I do?

4. How do I register my USCG-documented vessel?

5. Can you send me a map of the Mississippi River?

6. I found a boat abandoned at the side of the road and I want to title and register it in

my name or obtain a salvage title.

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 44

Questions

Duplicate/Lost Decals or Titles

Ihavemisplacedmywatercrafttitleandwishtosellmyboat;whatdoIdo?

Will you be selling the boat to someone who is going to title and register it here in Illinois? If so, you can

download the watercraft power of attorney form from our website:

Watercraft Power of Attorney Form

Complete this form and give it to the buyer; it replaces the lost Illinois title.

If you will be selling the boat to someone who will be titling and registering the boat out of state, then you will

need to order a duplicate title:

Please refer to the link below to apply for a duplicate title. If you need further assistance or have additional

questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not available over the

counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Online Application System

Ihavelostmytitle;howcanIobtainanotherone?

To replace one which is lost, stolen, destroyed, or mutilated (Surrender original title if later recovered)

Please refer to the link below to apply for a duplicate title. If you need further assistance or have additional

questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not available over the

counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Online Application System

Ilostmyregistrationcard;howdoIobtainanewone?

Duplicate Registration Card:

To replace one which is lost, stolen, destroyed, or illegible:

Please refer to the link below to apply for a duplicate registration card. If you need further assistance or have

additional questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not

available over the counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Online Application System

Ilostmyregistrationcardandhavemoved;howdoIobtainanewcardandchangemyaddress?

Please refer to the link below to apply for a corrected registration card. If you need further assistance or have

additional questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not

available over the counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Online Application System

Ilostmydecals;howdoIobtainanotherset?Ihadmyboatpainted,andtheyhadtoremovemydecals;howcanIobtain

replacements?

Duplicate Decals:

To replace those which are lost or destroyed.

Please refer to the link below to apply for duplicate decals. If you need further assistance or have additional

questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not available over the

counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 45

Online Application System

Whatisthefeeforaduplicateand/orcorrectedwatercrafttitles,registrationcards,anddecals?

 Duplicate and Corrected Titles: $7.00

 Title Search: $7.00

 Duplicate, and Corrected Registration Cards: $5.00

 Duplicate Decals: $5.00

Questions Regarding Applications

WhyismyOnlinetransactionstillinpendingstatus?

IMPORTANT: Before IDNR can complete your watercraft application process, your supporting

documentation MUST be uploaded to your account and then mailed with your customer number and a copy of

the receipt page to:

Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources - IDNR Headquarters

Attn: Watercraft/Snowmobile

One Natural Resources Way

Springfield, IL 62702

Please do not submit an Online transaction if you have already mailed in a paper application.

Haveyoureceivedmywatercraftpaperapplication,andisitbeingprocessed?

Please provide the microfilm number (example 0022 030 2365) printed on the front of the cashed check or

money order made payable to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that was mailed in with your

watercraft application. We can locate your paperwork with that number.

WheredoImailmywatercraftapplication?

All paperwork should be mailed together in one envelope to:

IDNR - Watercraft

PO Box 19226

Springfield, IL 6794-9226

TowhomdoImakemycheckpayableformywatercrafttitle/registration?

Please make your check or money order payable to IDNR.

Ihavemovedandhavenotreceivedmytitle,registrationcard,ordecals.

At this time, the paperwork has not been returned to our office by the USPS. Once issued, it takes

approximately six weeks for them to be returned. Please refer to the link below to check our postal returns.

Returned Registrations

Or, if you need to apply for a corrected title and registration card along with duplicate decals, please refer to

the link below. If you need further assistance or have additional questions, please contact the call center at

866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not available over the counter at any Natural Resources office.

Thank you.

Online Application System

Howlongdoesittakeformyapplicationtobeprocessed?

Approval time for your Online transaction is approximately four weeks if all original, required supporting

documents have been uploaded to your account and then mailed to our office. Additional instructions are

located on your receipt page.

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 46

Imailedmypaperworktoyourofficelastweek.Haveyoureceivedit?

Due to the high volume received in this office, we do not log in mail. It remains in the date received order until

processed. Please allow 10 weeks for processing time before inquiring about the status of your application.

Purchasing a Watercraft

Ipurchasedabrandnewboatoraboatthatwastitled/registeredout‐of‐state.WhatdoIneedtotitle/registertheboatin

mynameinIllinois?

Please refer to the link below to apply for a New Illinois title/registration. If you need further assistance or have

additional questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft title/registration is not

available over the counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Online Application System

Regulations for New Watercraft:

All watercraft other than non-powered watercraft operated on the waters within the jurisdiction of Illinois shall

be registered. All registered watercraft over 21 ft. in length are required to be titled.

State law requires that the purchaser of a watercraft shall complete and submit an application to the

Department of Natural Resources for registration/titling within 15 days after purchase.

Tax Notice - Watercraft purchased new or used from manufacturers, lending institutions, or dealers are subject

to tax. Effective September 1, 2004, tax is owed when a watercraft (class 2, 3, 4 and personal watercraft

[PWC], i.e., Jet-skis) are acquired by gift, donation, transfer, or non-retail purchase if the watercraft will be

used in Illinois. You must contact the Illinois Department of Revenue at (800) 732-8866 or (217) 782-3336 for

instructions before submitting an application.

IMPORTANT: Before IDNR can complete your watercraft application process, your supporting

documentation MUST be mailed with Customer Number (example ***-***-***) to:

Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources - IDNR Headquarters

Attn: Watercraft/Snowmobile

One Natural Resources Way

Springfield, IL 62702

New Watercraft Registration Application:

1. Must surrender the original properly endorsed 'Manufacturer's Statement of Origin' (MSO).

2. Previously registered or titled watercraft [in another state], you must surrender the original registration

card and original title (if titled).

3. Previously United States Coast Guard (USCG) documented Watercraft transferring to a titled watercraft

must surrender a copy of the USCG deletion letter and bill of sale.

4. United States Coast Guard documented with out-of-state registration and wishing to remain

documented; please provide the USCG documented paperwork (which should be in your name) and bill

of sale.

IpurchasedaboatthathasnohullIDnumberorpreviousregistration.WhatdoIdo?

All watercraft having no valid hull ID number or previous registration are required to be inspected prior to

applying for title and registration. Please refer to the link below to contact your local Conservation Police Officer.

District Conservation Police Officer Phones and Emails

Illinois Recreational Boating Report - 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022 Page 47

Ipurchasedaboatfromsomeonewhohadittitled/registeredinIllinois.HowdoItransferitintomyname?

Please refer to the link below to apply for a Transfer Renewal of the watercraft title/registration. If you need

further assistance or have additional questions, please contact the call center at 866-716-6550. Watercraft

title/registration is not available over the counter at any Natural Resources office. Thank you.

Online Application System

Regulations for Transfer Renewal: