McCombie calls for opening campgrounds, family boating

SAVANNA – State Rep. Tony McCombie wrote a letter to the governor urging opening up campgrounds and allowing more than two people when boating.

McCombie, R-Savanna, said she's concerned that Gov. JB Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan limits boating to two people and "keeps campgrounds shuttered for most of the prime summer camping season."

Families should be able to boat together, and boating can be safer when there's more than two people in case there's a medical emergency, the boat overturns after hitting a stump, or a boater is knocked off by getting hit in the head by an Asian Carp, McCombie said.

"This outcome of a two-person limit merits further review and correction based on safety concerns alone regardless of the common-sense arguments of a family who reside together in an enclosed environment not being able to boat together on open water,” she said in the letter.

She also called for campgrounds to be open for overnight stays but to set guidelines discouraging opening communal areas where it's more difficult to follow social distancing.

"As the weather improves and you ask us to continue to follow your lead, I ask that you give us the outlets to exercise and engage in recreational opportunities that improve the well being and promote a positive quality of life," she wrote.