Illinois - new law - Mandatory Life Jacket Wear 24/7 for Solo Boaters

[Presentation]

NEWS from BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at www.BoatUS.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

With Little Public Knowledge or Input, Illinois Set to Vote on
Mandatory Life Jacket Wear 24/7 for Solo Boaters
BoatUS Urges Boaters to Speak Out Now


Springfield, Ill., April 23, 2010 – In a sweeping bill that could affect 96% of the state’s registered boats, the Illinois General Assembly is set to pass a new mandatory life jacket law as early as next week that would require solo boaters to wear a life jacket year-round. BoatUS is urging Prairie State boaters to contact their state representative immediately to let them know how they feel about Senate Bill 3060, which would amend the state’s Boat Registration and Safety Act to include this new provision targeting boaters who are the “sole occupant” of a vessel less than 26 feet.


More...
http://www.boatus.com/pressroom/release.asp?id=502

 

[badbird]

I don't wear my life jacket on my boat but see nothing wrong with the law, after all no one will be there to throw a throwable device or help if something tragic ever happened.

just my.02
Ron

 

[sbw1]

NEWS from BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at www.BoatUS.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com

With Little Public Knowledge or Input, Illinois Set to Vote on
Mandatory Life Jacket Wear 24/7 for Solo Boaters
BoatUS Urges Boaters to Speak Out Now


Springfield, Ill., April 23, 2010 – In a sweeping bill that could affect 96% of the state’s registered boats, the Illinois General Assembly is set to pass a new mandatory life jacket law as early as next week that would require solo boaters to wear a life jacket year-round. ..
http://www.boatus.com/pressroom/release.asp?id=502

Nothing like blaze orange on top of a pin stripe suit. Would look odd in the board room.

 

[kg4vgh]

Have to agree Badbird.....BUT......don't think it should come under government regulation.....like the helmet law......if you aren't smart enough to wear one....YOU suffer the consequences

 

[andy k]

I think it is a great Idea, but I think the government should not get involved in stuff like this. Imagine what will happen if this law passed, everyone must where life jackets, your dog and many more exciting things. :smt021

 

[Groucho]

I am not in favor of any laws that "protect" ourselves from ourselves. If it endangers others directly, maybe.
This is only the start...next law will be easier to pass....like Everyone wears a PFD, no matter what.

 

[rktktpaul]

As stupid as this bill may be, they can go ahead and pass it!! I'm more concerned about the legislature finding solutions to something truly important, like the $1.4 billion school budget deficit!!

 

[Woody]

As stupid as this bill may be, they can go ahead and pass it!! I'm more concerned about the legislature finding solutions to something truly important, like the $1.4 billion school budget deficit!!

If you think it's a stupid why would you want them to go ahead and pass it?

 

[rktktpaul]

Because I think there a lot of more important things that need to be dealt with than whether or not a solo boater has the right to decide if he/she should be wearing a life jacket. How much breath is going to be wasted over something as stupid as this when compared to whether or not there will be money available for kids to attend school. Let them put it on the books and forget about it, just like they did with the cell phone while driving ban!!

Really, BoatUS can't come up with something better to lobby against!? How about finding a solution to keep asian carp entering the Great Lakes while still allowing access to the Mississippi so the Great Loop can still exist without devastating the fishing industry?!? Wouldn't that be more worthwhile?!?!?

 

[rktktpaul]

Well I just wanted to throw my$.02 in; I've wasted more time on this topic than its really deserved.

 

[MonacoMike]

Some are always trying to make others do what they think sounds right but that they would feel was an intrusion if it was their hobby or interest.

MM

 

[JediJD]

I've thought a lot about this. My conclusion is that this law doesn't go far enough. Some people might still die if all we legislate is a lifejacket. I'm thinking mandatory wetsuit and air tank...with spear gun...even in private ponds. That should do it. If you are going to make a law...make a REAL law. Put some teeth in it. No pussyfooting around.