Kankakee, IL – Boaters in Kankakee County and the greater Chicago metro area can take advantage of a free vessel safety check this Saturday, aimed at ensuring a safe start to the 2026 boating season.
According to organizers, the Vessel Safety Check event will be held Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Beckman Harbor, located at 1605 Cobb Boulevard in Kankakee, Illinois. The event is free, voluntary, and non-enforcement, meaning no citations or penalties will be issued during inspections.
Certified boating safety personnel will conduct the checks, focusing on verifying that required safety equipment—such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, and signaling devices—is present and operational. The goal is to educate boaters and prevent accidents before they happen.
Participants can either walk in during event hours or pre-schedule a time slot online for added convenience. Officials say the flexible format is designed to encourage participation from both experienced boaters and those new to the water.
