Sheriff won't ticket boating families

Members of the Lake County sheriff's marine unit will not issue tickets to families boating together on Lake County waterways they patrol, Sheriff John D. Idleburg announced Wednesday. The sheriff's announcement was prompted by questions about how many people can be in a boat at once under Gov. J.B. Pritzker's latest order regarding the COVID-19 crisis. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said no more than two people can be in a boat together. Idleburg's office sought more instruction from state officials and determined local law enforcement agencies have discretion when it comes to enforcing the boating rule, he said. Idleburg cautioned people against inviting friends or anyone else who isn't a family member aboard a boat.