What safety equipment is required to be on board every boat in Illinois?

In Illinois, it is mandated that every boat must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. This requirement is crucial for ensuring safety while on the water. Life jackets are designed to keep individuals afloat should they fall overboard or encounter an unexpected situation that puts them at risk of drowning. The requirement emphasizes the importance of personal flotation devices and makes sure that everyone has access to safety measures at all times.

While other safety equipment, such as a fire extinguisher, a whistle for signaling, and a first aid kit, may also enhance overall safety and are advisable to carry on board, they do not have the same level of mandatory requirement specific to the number of individuals on board as life jackets do. The life jacket rule directly addresses the most critical concern when boating—overboard safety—making it a vital component of boating regulations in Illinois.