With highs in the 90s this weekend, expect a lot of boats on the Illinois river.
Fondulac Park District Police Chief Michael Johnson says safety on the water is something that all boaters need to take seriously whether you are a seasoned boater or not.
“You have inexperienced boaters out there. With the high temperatures, the environment they’re in, that increases the danger for these folks,” Johnson said.
Johnson tells WMBD’s Greg and Dan that if you are caught driving over the legal limit on the river, the penalties are just like a DUI and you could end up doing some jail time.
“We would go ahead and impound the boat for at least 24 hours. Which is interesting, when you’re on the river there’s no place there. So, you have to deal with intoxicated individual and their boat,” Johnson said.
Johnson says the biggest problem park district police have with boaters is them not knowing where they are when they run into trouble on the river.
“People will call in, and they don’t have a clue where they’re at. So, you need to be aware of the environment so we can get to you quickly.”
East Peoria’s Fondulac Park District Police patrol the river 24/4, year-round.
Johnson says they bring in extra officers on weekends and around holidays like the 4th of July.
