Rowdy River Rats Could Get Slapped With Hefty Fines This Weekend in Rockford

If you are planning a river adventure on a boat or pontoon this weekend, you should note some very important pieces of information.

Obviously, boating laws should be followed at all times but, now that everyone is out of their dungeons and feeling safe again, people are itching to get back to life. Not only that but some people will be looking to make up for last summer so it could get extra crazy and congested on the waters this Independence Day weekend.

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department wants the public to be aware of specific enforcements happening this weekend on the Rock River.

As far as Friday and Saturday are concerned it's the same 'ole same 'ole laws.

ROCK RIVER SPEED LIMIT (WINNEBAGO COUNTY)

From sunrise to sunset the speed limit is no more than 45 miles an hour.

From sunset to sunrise it's 25 miles per hour.

In a "No Wake Zone" the speed limit is 5 miles per hour.

RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW

Did you know it's illegal to stand while operating a boat, pontoon, or deck boat? The same goes for sitting on the tops of the captain's seat. It's also unlawful to sound your boat's horn for no reason.

You can also get a D.U.I. on a watercraft, and the fine for speeding through a "no wake" zone starts at $125.

IMPORTANT JULY 4 RIVER RULES

Winnebago County Sheriff's Department left an important memo on Facebook pertaining to this weekend.

Effective from 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 4, 2021, until the completion of the fireworks display in downtown Rockford, the Rock River will be "CLOSED" south of the Chestnut Street Bridge to the Fordham Dam and from the Morgan Street Bridge north to the Fordham Dam for the Public's safety.

There will also be a temporary "No Wake" zone from the south side of the  Auburn Street bridge to the Fordham Dam during this same period. You can read the entire memo here and find more river laws here.