Full Notification

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in watercraft crashes on the Fox River and reminds operators to be careful of others while on waterways. The Fox River watercraft traffic has increased this summer with warmer temperatures. The Fox River is a narrow, shallow river and is becoming even narrower this year due to the lack of rain. These factors and inexperienced, careless operators may be contributing to the crashes and incidents.

As of July 10, 2012, there have been six watercraft crashes on the Fox River investigated by the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit. In 2011 and 2010 respectively, three crashes were reported in each year’s entire season. The Sheriff’s Office has also responded to two watercraft sinkings and assisted with two medical incidents in 2012.

Educating yourself and those that may operate your watercraft is important. The U.S. Coast Guard and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) offer boat safety course classes currently on-line. Information on safety courses can be found on IDNR’s website: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Safety/Pages/BoatingSafety.aspx The IDNR views watercraft safety as each operator’s responsibility to keep this leisure 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. 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 direct control of a parent or guardian, or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian

General Watercraft Safety Tips:
• Wear a properly secured and fitted life jacket
• Conduct a vessel check before going onto the water
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while operating a watercraft
• Watch out for other watercraft and foreign objects in the waterways
• Create a float plan that will help prepare you for emergencies
• Make sure you have a paddle with your vessel at all times
• Report erratic operators, suspicious activity, and crashes to police

Additional information on vessel checks, float plans, and navigation rules can be found on the United States Coast Guard Boating Safety site: http://www.uscgboating.org/ The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and IDNR continue to cooperatively work together to ensure those on the Fox River Waterway System remain safe while using it. One can contact the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit directly at (815)385-3239 (for non-emergencies) or (815)338-2144.