Some useful tips for spring boaters

With the 2008 boating season set to get going at the end of May, there is a list of things you should know before putting your boat in the water on the Chain O' Lakes.

They include:

• You need a boat sticker:

All boats on the Chain O' Lakes and Fox River are required to have a boat sticker from the Fox Waterway Agency.

The agency is located at 45 S. Pistakee Lake Road in Fox Lake, but there are a large number of satellite locations available where a sticker can be purchased. People can also purchase stickers on the Internet at www.foxwaterway.org.

• How much will this cost:

Cost of the waterway stickers vary on the size and the power of your vessel.

For example, a sticker for a non-motorboat less than 17 feet is $10, while a sticker for a Class C motorboat over 15 horsepower is $100. Please know all there is to know about your boat before purchasing your sticker online.

• Know the conditions:

With rain and snow melts comes high-water conditions and fast-moving currents. Some areas on the Chain and Fox River are faster than others. Be sure to know the current conditions of the water before setting out for the day.

• Know the rules:

Are you required to wear a personal floatation device or just have them on your boat? Are you supposed to carry a whistle? Do you need a license? These are all things you should know before setting out on the open water.

For rules and regulations, attend a Fox Lake boating class or a United States Power Squadron boat safety class. To find out when the classes are scheduled, check out www.foxwaterway.org.

• Don't drive drunk:

While alcohol consumption is allowed on boats, driving a boat under the influence of alcohol is not. The same laws that apply for the road also apply on the water. If you are over a .08 blood alcohol content, you will be arrested for driving while intoxicated. So, keep the drinking to a minimum.

• Know your location: The Fox River Watershed in Northern Illinois is made up of 13 lakes, one river, with two dams separating the section. It's easy to get lost and confused, and new boaters trying to understand the difference between Lake Marie and Lake Catherine may spend hours searching for one or the others.

Before setting out for the first time, check out a map of the Chain O' Lakes and Fox River at www.foxwaterway.org, or stop in their office and pick up a map.

• Life vests: Always, always, always make sure you have a life vest before starting out. They may not need to be worn on the boat, but should an accident happen, they are invaluable tools to keep people alive.