With the traditional start of the summer boating season this Memorial Day holiday weekend, both the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Police (ICP) are reminding Lawrence County and other area boaters to wear life jackets at all times when on the water and to only operate boats while sober. This week is National Safe Boating Week to raise awareness of boating safety. According to ICP statistics, in 2022 there were 52 boating accidents on Illinois waters resulting in 6 fatalities and 40 injuries. The numbers also show that most boating accidents occur between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays between the months of June and August.