Gov. Quinn signs laws aimed at improving boating safety

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Most already know that drinking alcohol and driving a car is a dangerous combination, however, there is less awareness of the same dangers while operating a boat.

Throw in alcohol and the results can be deadly. That's why Governor Pat Quinn signed new legislation Saturday to improve boating safety.

The Borcia family says it will not stop advocating for safer conditions on water.

"This is something that never should have happened, there should have been more enforcement out there," Jim Borcia said.

Their 10-year-old son Tony was killed about two years ago on the Chain-of-Lakes while tubing with his family.

A boater, under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, ran the boy over as his family watched in horror. Tony and his family tried frantically to wave their hands to the boater to get his attention, but he never slowed down.

Tony's family used their tragedy to change laws.

"We know there are other Tonys out there that are in danger every weekend, every day, said Jim Borcia. "Unless things change, the mindset of boats shouldn't be associated with partying, it should be associated with responsibility."

And since then, the family created the Y-Not Project in Tony's name, and have raised enough money to buy a boat for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to patrol the Chain-of-Lakes.

Saturday, Gov. Quinn signed into law three new bills to increase boating safety.

"We love our water, we love boating, we love being on the water, but it's very important to do it in a safe and sound manor," Quinn said.

The first law will make punishment for boating under the influence more in line with driving under the influence. The next will require boaters 16 and younger to pass a boating safety course and have a valid certificate, and the third law will require the operator of any boat to display a bright orange flag if they are towing a person.

Tony Borcia's family plans to hold another fundraiser next month to raise more money to promote safe boating.

The new laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.