Lawmaker's proposal aimed at helping water skiers
State lawmakers Wednesday began moving a plan intended to protect water skiers and tubers after they've fallen into the water.
The plan from state Rep. JoAnn Osmond, an Antioch Republican, would require people on a boat towing a water skier or tuber to raise a flag whenever the person trailing the boat had fallen. The flag would serve as a warning to other boaters to watch out for the person in the water.
“All we're trying to do is create awareness of the skier or the tuber in the water and making other people aware of it that the person is down,” Osmond said.
The proposal stems from the death of Libertyville 10-year-old Tony Borcia, who was hit by a passing boat in the Chain O' Lakes after falling off his tube two years ago.
Osmond's plan won unanimous approval from a House committee Wednesday and will be sent to the House floor for further debate.