City Officials, U.S. Coast Guard and Boating Industry Stakeholders Promote Water Safety Awareness for Lake Michigan and the Chicago River for Summer Season

City Officials, U.S. Coast Guard and Boating Industry Stakeholders Promote Water Safety

Awareness for Lake Michigan and the Chicago River for Summer Season

FREE Vessel Safety Checks and Boat Safety Courses from the Coast Guard Auxiliary

Today at Burnham and Diversey Harbors

CHICAGO – As temperatures continue to rise heading into the Memorial Day weekend, officials from the City’s public safety departments, the U.S. Coast Guard and more than a dozen regional boating and water safety industry associations to emphasize safe boating during National Boating Safety Week, which runs through Friday.

“Chicago’s lakefront and river serve as an oasis for families and friends to enjoy during warm weather and all summer long,’” said Mayor Emanuel. “As millions of residents and visitors from around the world enjoy our beaches, marinas, tour boats and Navy Pier this summer, it’s important that they are informed of water safety precautions so they have a safe and fun experience.”

Boating and water recreation safety on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River is a priority of the City of Chicago and the Coast Guard. According to Coast Guard statistics, 651 boaters died on our nation’s waterways in 2012. Among those, the 379 of the 459 who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. Small recreational vessels, including paddle craft, are the most vulnerable. Seven of every 10 boaters who drowned were using boats less than 21 feet in length.

In addition, alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents--it’s responsible for 17 percent of boater deaths and vessel collisions are the most frequent accident type.

“We must strive to make use of every opportunity to raise the public’s awareness about staying  Safe while on or in the water, stated Rear Adm. Michael Parks, commander, Ninth Coast Guard  District. “People need to think of everyday as boating and water safety day.

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Whether it is extreme hot temperatures, rain, thunderstorms or high winds, weather affect one’s ability to safely maneuver on the water. OEMC encourages the public to learn more about the safety tips offered by the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary. These tips can save lives and prevent water accidents and emergencies.

“Boating and lakefront activities are ramping up along our waterways in Chicago. There is no time like the present to remind lakefront visitors to be safe, be prepared and exercise caution and common sense while enjoying activities along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River this summer,” said GaryW. Schenkel, OEMC Executive Director.

Area boaters are urged to follow these principles to ensure a safe summer season on the water:

Stay Afloat – Life jackets save lives.

According to Coast Guard studies, 84 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Of the remaining 16 percent, many were wearing a model that was not designed to keep their head out of the water after the wearer lost consciousness.

While there are many factors that can contribute to boating accidents, a properly fitting life jacket can save a life even after an accident has occurred.

Stay Prepared and Informed –FREE Vessel Safety Checks and Boat Safety Courses from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

According to a Coast Guard study, of the 651 fatalities in 2012, only 9 percent involved an operator who received boating safety instruction.

The Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters (including personal watercraft users) take advantage of the free vessel safety check program every year. VSCs are offered by experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons, two of the nation’s premier volunteer boating safety organizations. A VSC is the best possible way to learn about potential violations of state and federal requirements. But more importantly, these quick exams can keep your boat and passengers out of harm’s way.

Free vessel examinations and boat safety information classes are available to the public in locations conveniently located across the region. Two options are available to Chicago boaters today, Monday, May 20:

• Burnham Harbor, 10 am to 2 pm
• Diversey Harbor, 10 am to 2 pm

The boating safety courses cover many topics to provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction. The courtesy examinations can uncover safety deficiencies that can be remedied prior to leaving the dock. Visit www.uscgboating.org/safety/courses to learn more about Vessel Safety Checks or to find a certified examiner near you.

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Stay Alert – Don’t Boat Under the Influence.

Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents—it’s responsible for 17 percent of boater deaths. Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. The marine environment – motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind and spray – accelerates a drinker's impairment. These stressors cause fatigue that makes a boat operator's coordination, judgment and reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol than consuming alcohol on land.

Stay in Touch – Have the Right Type of Communication Device.

Cell phone coverage is often spotty, so having a reliable VHF-FM marine radio on-hand is recommended for communications during times of distress. Consider purchasing a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) if you boat alone or offshore.When activated, these devises can be used by responders to identify the location of distressed boaters.

Other safety tips for boat operators, passengers and swimmers include:

• Know the weather and water conditions before boating or swimming.
• Never swim alone and always swim near life guards.
• Always wear a lifejacket. Don’t just store it. Putting a life jacket on is much harder once you’re in the water—especially if you’re injured.
• Check local rip current forecasts, and never swim in rough water.
• Be aware of carbonmonoxide hazards in and around a boat, and maintain a continuous flow of fresh air.
• File a float plan; give the information to a friend or relative who can call for help if you do not return as scheduled. For more information about float plans and for a downloadable sample float plan, visit www.uscgboating.org/safety/float_planning.aspx
• Maintain a clear unobstructed view forward at all times. Most boating collisions are caused by obstruction or distraction.
• Observe the nautical rules of the water, including speed limits.
• Learn C.P.R. and first aid.
• Ensure children are always supervised and wearing a life jacketStop the engine when boarding or exiting the boat

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The Office of Emergency Management and Communications was established in 1995 to coordinate the City’s delivery of Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services resources. OEMC operates Chicago’s public safety communications system, managing emergency situations and coordinating major events, 3-1-1 and 9-1-1 Communications Operations. OEMC is also the host to Notify Chicago, a resource for residents to subscribe to receive text alerts related to traffic disruptions, severe weather, health and major incidents. For more information visit our website at

www.cityofchicago.org/oemc or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook/coemc .