Fox River's high water levels forcing temporary Illinois ban on recreational boating

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The state is banning recreational boating on a long stretch of the Fox River because of hazardous conditions.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) says water is high on the Fox River. This is in addition to swift currents and floating debris as well as submerged structures and piers.

The recreational boating ban is from the mouth of the Fox River, just north of Johnsburg and all the way south to Millington in Kendall and LaSalle counties.

Phil Sweeney is the founder of the Damyak Challenge. He told WBBM it was scheduled this weekend on the Fox River in McHenry but has been postponed until mid-August because of the conditions.

The water is traveling three times its normal rate, and it’s not expected to crest until the middle of Saturday,” Sweeney said. “Even though it might be beautiful outside, the water is just too dangerous.”

The IDNR says the water is so treacherous it would be dangerous for first responders if they have to attempt a rescue.

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