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Illinois Set to Vote on Mandatory Life Jacket Wear 24/7 for Solo Boaters

BoatUS urges boaters to speak out now.

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.

The nation’s largest recreational boat owners group, BoatUS, supports the voluntary wear of life jackets for adults, and the development of a wider range of life jacket choices for the boater. A recent survey of its over half-million members indicates that boaters have significant concerns about more government laws dictating when and where they must use life jackets.

To help boaters speak out, the NMMA has setup (you may have to scroll down) to get their representative’s email and phone contact information.

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