Boaters frequently wave when they pass on the water. However, Jeff Matheson, a boater on the Chain O’ Lakes, has proposed a change to honor a woman recently killed by an intoxicated boater. Instead of the usual wave, Matheson suggests flashing a peace sign to promote safer boating. ‘Let’s make this tragedy mean something and attempt to make change for the future,’ he shared on Facebook.
Meanwhile, some people propose a more concrete solution for the Fox River: a speed limit. In July, prosecutors stated that Richard Stevenson, a boater from Lisle, was reportedly intoxicated and traveling at around 80 mph when his pontoon collided with a boat carrying Magdalena Jablonska from Des Plaines. The crash led to her death. Stevenson was charged with murder and aggravated driving under the influence.
“I had safety concerns for a long time, and that tragedy was enough for me to be like, something needs to be done,” said Amy Aponte, who started a petition for regulations.
A Change.org petition has called for ‘common sense’ regulations like speed and engine-size limits on the river. The accused was reported to have three 500-horsepower engines.
Some boaters argue no changes are necessary. They believe the issue lies with reckless, intoxicated operators rather than speed or engine power. The collision happened in a no-wake zone where boats must travel at 5 mph. This disagreement follows a common pattern of resistance to regulation, despite the occasional tragic accidents on the Chain and Fox River system. This network often has heavy traffic and more accidents than any other Illinois waterway. The Safe Fox River Coalition reported 45 boating accidents from 2016 to 2026, resulting in six fatalities and 28 injuries.
On roads, drivers adhere to speed limits, stop signs, and emissions tests, but boats lack similar regulations. Boaters argue that they navigate more open spaces with less congestion compared to roads. The Fox River has a nighttime limit of 25 mph, yet daytime speeds aren’t restricted, allowing boats to travel as fast as operators desire. In contrast, other boating areas enforce daytime speed limits. Bangs Lake in Wauconda has a 30 mph limit, maintained by regular patrols. Geneva Lake in Wisconsin enforces a 35 mph restriction during summer weekends, while several downstate lakes have similar rules.
Recently, at a meeting of the Fox Waterway Agency, attendees called for a speed limit. Although regulators said they were investigating the issue, they offered no firm commitments. Executive Director Joseph Keller noted, ‘In addition to encouraging input from our waterway’s users and stakeholders, the agency has met with law enforcement and is actively seeking their input on safety matters.’
Some boaters oppose these potential measures. Ryan Tarosas, who owns Fox 14 Marina in Algonquin, asserts that laws won’t deter irresponsible operators. He remarked, ‘This accident occurred in a no-wake zone. Someone like that doesn’t give a damn about any speed limits.’ Tarosas likened the proposal to firearms regulations, claiming it’s the operator, not the boat, that’s problematic. He suggested that increased police patrols might improve driver caution.
Despite objections, legislators are considering limits. Given that the river is only about 300 feet wide in some areas, traffic often passes close to boats, piers, and swimmers. A state Rep. Steve Reick spokesperson disclosed plans for legislation targeting regulation by the fall session in November.
On September 26, the Marine Corps plans to honor Jablonska with a wreath-laying ceremony at McHenry Dam, recognizing her service as a Marine.