By WMBD-TV
PEORIA – Memorial Day is Monday, and that means plenty of boats will be on the water this weekend.
Safety is paramount given the number of boats that will be on the Illinois River, some for the first time this season.
Michael Christman is a vessel examiner with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and emphasized the importance of life jackets and staying sober if you’re driving a boat.
He added one should be aware of the weather and what other boaters are doing on the water.
He also talked about making sure your boat has a “kill switch.” It’s a lanyard-like device that connects the ignition to an article of clothing, like a belt loop. If you get thrown out from the driver’s seat or the boat itself, that lanyard will stop the boat’s motor.
Christman said it can be a lifesaver.
“The boat can circle and run you over if you’re not careful,” he said.
If your boat breaks down while on the water, Christman said to call channel 16 if you have a marine radio. That will put you in contact with other boaters who may be able to help.
Nate Wright of Peoria is an experienced boater, and he enjoys spending plenty of time in his boat during the summer months. He has plans to go out on the water on Saturday.
His boat is docked at EastPort Marina in East Peoria, and he said that it’s a “party atmosphere” during Memorial Day Weekend at the docks. He said there are plenty of people who don’t leave the marina over the weekend and simply stay in their boats.
He also emphasized safety, and he said he can’t participate in the festivities as much as he might want, due to having children. He reiterated a lot of the same points that Christman made, but emphasized to let someone know if you’re going out on the water.
“Always let somebody know when you’re going out and let them know when you’re coming back in. There are cell phones now so somebody should always know if you’re out there,” Wright said.
He also gave a warning to boaters, as he said there’s some debris in the Illinois River.
“I know there are some logs and sticks in the river right now, so be careful,” he said.
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