Boaters frequently greet each other with a wave on the water. Jeff Matheson, who boats on the Chain O’ Lakes, suggested a different approach following a tragic incident. He proposed flashing a peace sign to honor Magdalena Jablonska, who was killed by an allegedly intoxicated boater. Matheson shared, “Let’s make this tragedy mean something and attempt to make change for the future,” on Facebook.
Some people go further in their calls for change on the Fox River, notably suggesting a speed limit. Authorities charged Richard Stevenson, from Lisle, with murder and aggravated driving under the influence. They claimed he was intoxicated, speeding at about 80 mph, when his pontoon collided with Jablonska’s boat, resulting in her death. A Change.org petition advocates for ‘common sense’ measures like setting speed and engine size limits, highlighting Stevenson’s three 500-horsepower engines. Amy Aponte, who started the petition, expressed safety concerns and urgency for action.
While many boaters think new rules are unnecessary, citing reckless, drunken boating as the core issue, others observe that the accident took place in a no-wake zone where speed should not exceed 5 mph. The debate persists, reflecting a familiar resistance to regulation amidst tragic accidents. The Chain and Fox River system faces heavy traffic and more accidents than any other Illinois waterway. The Safe Fox River Coalition reported 45 accidents with six fatalities and 28 injuries on the Fox River between 2016 and 2026.
Unlike roads with speed limits and traffic controls, boaters often resist similar regulations on open water. The Fox River does have a nighttime limit of 25 mph, but no limits during the day. Other boating areas like Bangs Lake in Wauconda enforce a 30 mph daytime limit successfully, as noted by local police. Similarly, Geneva Lake in Wisconsin and several Illinois lakes have set speed limits.
Recent discussions at a Fox Waterway Agency meeting highlighted calls for speed limits. Though regulators are considering the issue, no decisions have been made yet. The agency encourages collaboration with law enforcement on safety measures and suggests that suggestions be directed to authorities like the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Boaters, such as Ryan Tarosas, owner of Fox 14 Marina, question the effectiveness of new laws on irresponsible operators. He compared the situation to gun regulations, where the focus should be on the operators, not the equipment. He noted a lack of police presence in the accident area, suggesting increased patrols could curb reckless behavior.
Despite opposition, lawmakers aim to introduce legislative limits on the Fox River, which is often crowded alongside piers, swimmers, and bridge abutments. State Rep. Steve Reick from Woodstock hopes to prepare legislation for discussion in the upcoming fall session.
In tribute to Jablonska, who served in the Marine Corps, a wreath-laying ceremony is scheduled at the McHenry Dam. This commemorative event will occur on September 26 at 2 p.m.
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