IL HB4165

Requires owners of piers and drop-offs on Lake Michigan to install public rescue equipment, including ring life buoys, at each location along the shoreline.

Ring life buoys must meet United States Coast Guard standards (46 CFR), include a buoyant line of at least 100 feet with 5 kilonewtons breaking strength, and be stored in bright orange or yellow stations within 200 feet of the shoreline.

Units of local government owning Lake Michigan piers or drop-offs must track drownings within 100 feet of their facilities and publish reports at least twice per year, including details on water conditions, demographics, and rescue equipment access.

Property owners must develop and implement a water safety plan and upgrade safety equipment within one year of their property being designated a "high-incident drowning area" (more than one fatal drowning within 100 feet of a pier or drop-off in 5 years).

Act takes effect one year after becoming law.