Boat rental safety requirements
Starting in 2022, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires that all individuals who rent watercraft at Loud Thunder to complete a free online boater safety course before heading out on the water. This applies to all watercrafts available at our rental dock: Jon boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes.
There are two ways to complete the free training and receive the training certificate:
1. Visit RentalBoatSafety.com before you get here and complete the free training course specific to the watercraft you intend to rent.
- Select ‘canoes and kayaks’ if you’re renting a kayak or canoe. Watch the 16 min training video, then complete the short assessment to receive your certificate.
- Select ‘power boats’ if you’re renting a jon boat or pontoon. Watch the 24 min training video, then complete the short assessment to receive your certificate
2. Take the free boating safety training at Loud Thunder on one of our provided, preloaded tablets. (Same steps as above.)
At the time of rental, we’ll ask that you sign a rental release confirming you’ve completed the safety training and received your certificate. This can be completed in the Loud Thunder office. Training must be completed once per season – rental releases with training confirmations will be kept on file at Loud Thunder each year.
NOTE: Must be 16+ years to rent and operate a boat at Loud Thunder. Minors under the age of 16 may ride along with a parent or guardian.
If you have questions about the boat rental safety requirements see our FAQ below or contact us at (309) 795-1040.
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Boat Rental information.
Frequently asked questions:
Is the boater safety training required for anyone that’s operating a boat at Loud Thunder?
Yes. All ages are required to complete the boater safety training once per season before renting and operating a watercraft at Loud Thunder. Passengers do not need to complete the training course.
Do I have to show proof of my completed boater safety license?
Though you’re not required to present your certificate, you’ll be asked to sign a rental release at the time of rental confirming you’ve completed the required safety training.
What boat rentals require boater safety training?
All watercraft rentals at Loud Thunder require you to complete the free safety training.
Where can I complete the free safety training?
How often do I have to complete the free safety training?
Once per season. We’ll keep a file of your signed rental release on file at Loud Thunder so there is no need to complete the training each time you rent.
How much does it cost to take the safety training?
There is no cost to complete the training at www.rentalboatsafety.com.
How long is the boater safety training?
The kayak and canoe safety training video is approximately 16 minutes and the powerboat video required for pontoons and jon boats is approximately 24 minutes. Each has a short assessment following the video.
Which safety training video on www.rentalboatsafety.com should I watch?
o Select ‘canoes and kayaks’ if you’re renting a kayak or canoe (16 min training video)
o Select ‘power boats’ if you’re renting a jon boat or pontoon (24 min training video