Significant changes in Illinois have gone into effect when it comes to kids and boating as of January 2016. Penalties may be imposed against the parents and children in violation of the new law:
- No person born on or after Jan. 1, 1998, shall operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower unless that person has a valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the IDNR or an entity or organization approved by the IDNR.
- No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat.
- Persons at least 10 years of age and less than 12 years of age may operate a motorboat with more than 10 horsepower only if the person is under direct onboard supervision of a parent or a guardian, who has valid Boating Safety Certificate, where the parent, guardian or designated person was born on or after Jan. 1, 1998.
- Persons at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat with more than 10 horse power only if the person has a valid Boating Safety Certificate, or is under the direct onboard supervision of a parent or a guardian, who has valid Boating Safety Certificate, where the parent, guardian or designated person was born on or after Jan. 1, 1998.
Best advice if you are a family that spends a lot of time on or around the water? Visit the website for the IDNR and read up on the changes to the law. Safety boating courses are always a good idea and cover rules, regulations, weather, emergencies, communications, boat handling and safety measures. The courses provide students with excellent background information for safely operating a boat. Certificates are issued to individuals who successfully complete the course.
IDNR: 800-832-2599
Land of Lincoln Squadron. Phone: 217-891-2870
