EAST PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria/East Peoria riverfront and Illinois River are expected to be full of boats this holiday weekend.
Fon du Lac Park District Police Chief Mike Johnson said it’s important to watch out for other boaters when there are so many of them on the river on Monday, the 4th of July.
“Remember when you get ready to watch the fireworks, don’t anchor in the actual channel (of the river) if you can help it, just on the off chance that there are other watercraft needing to get through the area,” Johnson said.
Johnson reminds boaters that if you’re going to be on the river Monday night, make sure all your navigation and anchor lights are functioning, so other boaters know where you are.
The Fon du Lac Park District Police understand there will be drinking on the river, but they remind boaters to have a designated driver who stays sober to keep everyone safe.
Chief Johnson also said you need life jackets onboard for all kids under the age of 12.
“Make sure they have a properly-fitted life jacket on, and it’s a good idea to make sure the life jackets on the vessel are accessible to everyone on the boat. So, whoever’s in charge on the boat, make sure everyone knows where the life jackets are in case of an emergency,” Johnson said.
Johnson adds,”Stay hydrated on the water. Make sure you have food and water for everyone on the boat…it’s going to be a hot day on the 4th.”
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