The number of boating fatalities on Illinois waters doubled between 2022 and 2023, according to statistics released by DNR’s Office of Law Enforcement.
In 2023, there were 70 reportable boating accidents on Illinois waters, resulting in 12 fatalities and 37 injuries. There were only 6 fatalities reported in 2022. Of the 12 fatalities last year, eight who died were not wearing life jackets or vests.
Illinois had 12 boating deaths in 2023
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Hand-Picked For You
Who should manage Pennsylvania’s insects? Study aims to find out
Deborah Weisberg
September 20, 2026
Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: Docks removed early at Lake Wallenpaupack
Staff and News Reports
September 18, 2026
Pennsylvania’s hunting license sales down so far this year
Tom Venesky
September 17, 2026
Spring Garden Dam removal at Tyler State Park starts
Staff Report
September 19, 2026
EHD in Michigan’s deer herd concentrated to four counties so far
Victor Skinner
September 18, 2026
Michigan’s statewide fishing and hunting report on Sept. 18, 2026
Staff Report
September 18, 2026
Related Articles

Who should manage Pennsylvania’s insects? Study aims to find out
Deborah Weisberg
September 20, 2026
Efforts underway in Harrisburg could bring stronger protection to Pennsylvania’s butterflies, bees, fireflies, spiders and countless other native terrestrial invertebrates,

Behind the Scenes: Illinois native Brodie Eddington gained valuable experience as Farm Bill biologist
Kayleigh Gabriel
September 20, 2026
Western Illinois native Brodie Eddington is turning a lifelong passion for the outdoors into a career protecting Illinois’ wildlife resources.<br

Retired couple maintains commitment to Illinois Natural History Survey’s insect collection
Xander Hazel
September 19, 2026
What began as volunteer work became something more: a family commitment to preserve one of North America’s oldest and largest