It's the Law: On the Water with Your Vessel

Boating Accidents (625 ILCS 45/6)

A vessel operator is required to make a written report whenever a boating accident results in:

• Loss of life or disappearance of a person or...
• Injury to any person or...
• Property damage in excess of $500

Accidents that result in death of or serious injury to any person must be reported to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) by the operator within 48 hours of the accident. All other reportable accidents must be reported to the DNR within 5 days.

Accident report forms are available from any DNR office or on the Internet.