Free boating checks offered

SPRINGFIELD – As a kick off to National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police will be holding courtesy boat inspections for the public on Sunday, May 17.

Conservation Police officers will be checking watercraft for proper registration, availability of personal floatation devices (PFDs), make sure lights are in working order, among other things.  Citations will not be issued for any violations found during this time.

Courtesy boat inspections will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the following locations:

Region 1

                   
Martin Park, Rockford
Sunset Park (18th Ave. side), Rock Island
Detweiller Park, Peoria

Region 2

Chain O’Lakes State Park boat ramp, Spring Grove
Alsip boat launch, Alsip
Des Plaines Conservation Area, Wilmington
North Point Marina, Winthrop Harbor

Region 3

Clinton Lake - Mascoutin boat ramp, Dewitt

Region 4

Grafton public boat ramp, Grafton
Eldon Hazlet State Park-Apache boat ramp, Carlyle
Lake Springfield- Lindsay Bridge boat launch, Springfield

Region 5

Lake Sara Marina, Effingham