Take a look at the Illinois Water Rescue Act. This legislation was put together by board members of the Illinois Water Rescue Association. It was passed without opposition through the House and Senate and signed into law in August of 1997. Amazingly, many water rescue provides have yet to hear about it, so this is your copy. It speaks for itself, what a great opportunity for the development of Dive Rescue Department, set away from the typically “sub section” of the police or fire department. To have your own budget and crew to work with; well it is possible under this law. Many thanks to Senator Frank Watson, who introduced this legislation at the request of then Rep. Duane Noland.

 

 

Public Act 90-0440

SB315 Enrolled LRB9002215LDcw

AN ACT in relation to emergency services.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the
Water Rescue Act.

Section 5. Findings. In so much as police, fire, and
emergency medical service departments are recognized as
necessary public safety organizations, the State of Illinois
hereby recognizes the longstanding role and purpose of those
persons specially trained in performing surface and
underwater rescue and recovery of persons and property within
the waterways of Illinois for the purpose of public safety
and accident prevention. For purposes of furthering public
safety and promoting safe use of Illinois waterways, this Act
has been created for the benefit of citizens and visitors to
this State and its many communities.

Section 10. Authorization. Municipalities, counties,
and political subdivisions of this State have authority to
authorize, fund, and continue support for water
rescue/recovery departments within their jurisdictions for
the purpose of the surface and underwater rescue and recovery
of persons and property.

Section 15. Intergovernmental agreements. Such
municipalities, counties, and political subdivisions may by
intergovernmental agreement combine funding and authorization
of such departments within a county if desired.

Section 99. Effective date. This Section and Sections
1, 5, 10, and 15 take effect upon becoming law.