(WSIL) -- You may think it's common sense, but after 21 deaths on state waterways last year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding boaters of what will be expected of them on the water in 2021.
Nathan White adventured out to fish alone on Rend lake Wednesday morning, something he says he doesn't take lightly.
"You know when you're out by yourself especially, you tend to not have help sometimes, and I fish through the week when the population here is pretty low so getting help might be a little bit harder, so I try to be as safe as I can."
Illinois Conservation Officer, Lisa Haggerty, says that's exaclty why boaters should prepare for the worst.
"Last year we had several boaters that were stranded and being that it was a longer drive for myself to get over here, they were out after dark and they didn't have flashlights, the weather had changed a little bit so it was a little bit cooler and they weren't prepared for that either, so."
Following the bare minimum requirements may not be enough to make your boating trip a safe and comfortable one.
White says he studies the lake, planning his trip in advance.
"Fourth of July weekend here especially can be somewhat dangerous. A lake that you don't know, I've been in situations duck hunting and things that I've hit stumps or shallow areas that I didn't know so know I have graphs on my boat that have improved greatly, and I still keep paper charts and study them to make sure I know the depth and the contours of the lake and make sure I run safe water as best I can."
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says they will be strictly enforcing all safety laws and regulations this season, to keep boaters safe.
"You know obviously life jackets are important, fire extinguishers are important, so that if there is an issue, they are going to be prepared to handle that situation."
Conservation police issued more than 800 citations last year.
Haggerty says the most common citation they issue -- is for a lack of properly fitting life jackets.
For more information on Illinois's boating laws and responsibilities click .
