(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Boaters will be on the water over the holiday weekend, and a new organization has been helping some of them prepare with safety classes.
Boat Safe Chicago follows in the wake of a problematic 2022: 44 deaths on Lake Michigan and more than 3,000 police and fire calls for service.
The organization has safety-trained nearly 200 people from “every walk of life,” says Master Capt. Jon Meyer, one of the organization’s founders.
The courses, for all experience levels, range from 101-level water safety classes to the fine points of chartering.
Meyer said a major factor in boat accidents or incidents is alcohol. Having a sober captain is essential, he said.
Related
Listen to our new podcast Courier Pigeon
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram