Boating Community Responds to Tragedy
Boaters on the Chain O’ Lakes traditionally greet each other with waves while passing by. Recently, Jeff Matheson, a local boater, proposed a change to this custom following a tragic incident. He suggested using the peace sign instead of a wave to symbolize safer boating practices. ‘Let’s make this tragedy mean something and attempt to make change for the future,’ he stated in a Facebook post.
Proposals for Regulation
There have been several suggestions for safer boating conditions on the Fox River following the accident. Prosecutors have charged Richard Stevenson from Lisle with murder and aggravated driving under the influence for allegedly hitting and killing Magdalena Jablonska, a boater from Des Plaines. Stevenson was reportedly intoxicated and his pontoon boat traveled at around 80 mph before the collision.
A Change.org petition has emerged advocating for ‘common sense’ boating regulations. It calls for actions like implementing a speed limit and potentially engine-size limits. The petition points out that Stevenson’s boat had three 500-horsepower engines, raising safety concerns.
Opinions in the Boating Community
Diverging views exist within the boating community. Some argue that reckless operation, not speed, is the primary concern. They note that the tragic incident took place in a no-wake zone where the speed limit is 5 mph. Regulators face typical resistance to new rules despite periodic tragedies on the heavily trafficked Chain and Fox River. The Safe Fox River Coalition reported 45 boating accidents, resulting in six deaths and 28 injuries from 2016 to 2026.
Existing and Proposed Regulations
Nearby water bodies already have daytime speed limits in place. At Bangs Lake in Wauconda, marine patrols enforce a 30 mph limit during the day. Geneva Lake in Wisconsin has a 35 mph cap during summer weekends. Multiple lakes in Illinois also have speed limits. The Fox River, by contrast, currently restricts speed to 25 mph at night only.
Participants at a recent meeting of the Fox Waterway Agency voiced support for imposing a daytime speed limit. While the agency considers safety issues such as speed limits and no-wake zones, they have not committed to any changes yet. According to Executive Director Joseph Keller, law enforcement agencies are better equipped to handle enforcement.
Community Pushback
Ryan Tarosas, owner of Fox 14 Marina in Algonquin, opposed new speed regulations. He emphasized that reckless operators pose more danger irrespective of speed limits. He suggested increasing police patrol presence on the river as an effective deterrent.
Potential Legislative Measures
Legislators, including state Rep. Steve Reick from Woodstock, are considering placing new limits on the river. He plans to introduce legislation by the November legislative session. The river’s narrow width, heavy traffic, and busy recreational spots have drawn attention to safety needs.
In memory of Jablonska, the Marine Corps will host a wreath-laying ceremony on Sept. 26 at McHenry Dam. Jablonska was a Marine, and the event will honor her service and life.