Unit #1, owned and operated was recreational cruising on the East End of Lake Summerset approximately 200 yards South of the main boat launch with his four grandchildren when his boat was swamped by waves over the transom of his boat.  The boat was not equipped with a bilge pump and began to sink causing all occupants to be ejected.  There were no injuries.  The boat was pulled out of the lake by Lake Summerset Security and placed back on Operator''s boat trailer at the launch by the time of my arrival.
     The investigation revealed Operator had overloaded his boat with too many passengers causing it to squat in the water which increased the likelyhood of it being swamped by waves generated by other boat traffic on the lake.  The capacity of Operator''s boat is (5) persons.  He had (6) persons including himself aboard in addition to his motor and gear.
     Operator was issued citations for:  625 ILCS 45/5-4 OVERLOADING WATERCRAFT and 625 ILCS 45/3-1 OPERATION OF AN UNNUMBERED WATERCRAFT.  Operator was also issued written warnings for unlawful operation of a motorboat w/o a horn or whistle, unlawful operation of a motorboat with an unsecured battery, and no valid registration - non-motorized unit (boat trailer).  Operator''s mandatory court appearance was set for 08-19-2011 to be held at the Winnebago County Courthouse.


Durand                        