Lake County Marine Unit steps up patrols this weekend
Lake County sheriff’s officials are urging people to be safe on waterways in light of the unofficial opening of the boating season today.
Karen Kates, sheriff’s spokeswoman, said the sheriff’s marine unit has added extra patrols and manpower for the Memorial Day weekend and will be patroling in force on the Chain O’ Lakes.
“The weather is supposed to be beautiful, so the Chain O’ Lakes will be packed,” she said. “This is the big kickoff weekend, and with everyone ready for summer to begin, we are urging everyone to be safe.”
The announcement comes on the heels of an arrest last Saturday of a 39-year-old Naperville man who was operating a boat on the Chain while having a blood alcohol content of nearly four times the legal limit, authorities said. James T. Sharkey was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol by the Lake County marine Unit on May 19. Kates said marine unit deputies stopped Sharkey’s 2003 Baja Outlaw on Nippersink Lake after he was seen violating a no-wake law. A breath test showed his blood alcohol level was 0.30, far above the .08 state limit, authorities said.
Kates added there were 11 passengers onboard Sharkey’s boat at the time.
She said the marine unit made 47 arrests in 2011 for OUI.
She added personal flotation devices should be worn by everyone on any watercraft, and that state law requires that a personal flotation device be on board for every person on any boat.
She added that people should perform a safety check before leaving shore, making sure boaters have the proper safety equipment on board, including a working fire extinguisher, a horn or whistle, and flares.
People are also urged to check weather reports before leaving the dock. The weather can change very rapidly on the water, turning a pleasant day turning into a dangerous situation.
People are also urged to stay sober, as alcohol can impair judgment, vision, balance and coordination, she said.
“Our goal is to keep people safe out on our waters,” said Sgt. Louis Kent of the Lake County Marine Unit. “Boat operators choosing to use alcohol need to keep in mind the lives they are putting in jeopardy.”