Chicago Harbor Safety Committee Key Issues & Milestones

The Chicago Harbor Safety Committee (CHSC) held an eventful July 2025 meeting at the beautiful Columbia Yacht Club in downtown Chicago. The gathering brought together various stakeholders dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of Chicago’s waterways.

President Mike McElroy kicked off the meeting with exciting news: Wendella Boats, where he serves as Director of Marine Operations, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer. McElroy also highlighted Wendella’s “Lila Day,” an initiative honoring the Wendella matriarch Lila Borgstrom, who battled ovarian cancer. Lila Day proceeds fund ovarian cancer research.

He further detailed the CHSC’s collaboration with Illinois Senator Julie Morrison on Senate Bills 2019 and 2179, aimed at improving boater safety. McElroy addressed the strain that unpermitted events place on city resources and also recognized LAF and Aubrey for their partnership with officials on a successful BLVCKSCENE event. He reminded attendees that the CHSC was founded in 2013 and highlighted the growing risks and dangers in Chicago’s increasingly busy ports, as well as the rising number of illegal charters. A recurring issue discussed was the delay of fireworks barges by up to 30 minutes due to recreational boaters entering safety zones, as well as the increased problem of overturned kayaks on the Chicago River this season.

Don Campbell of the Calumet Area Safety, Security & Navigation Committee (CASSAN) provided an update, noting their next meeting will be in September. He reported that the Skyway Bridge was painted to prevent accidents similar to one recently experienced on the East Coast. Campbell has invited everyone to a Calumet Area Land Use Plan meeting at Olive Harvey College on July 24th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please register on Eventbrite. Don also reported on the successful first annual Fire Safety Tabletop exercise held in April 2025.

Following the treasurer’s report from Ben Alden, John McDermott formally designated the gathering as an official Chicago Harbor Safety Committee meeting.

Fire Chief Jason Lach (Chicago’s official Superhero) urged attendees to call 911 in emergencies and to remember the words “see something, say something.” Lieutenant Menendez from the Chicago Police Marine Unit described a “challenging couple of weeks” but noted it “could’ve been a lot worse.” He light-heartedly suggested anyone missing a kayak check with the Marine Unit.

Tepovich, attending his first CHSC meeting as a representative from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, expressed his commitment to working closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Chicago Police Marine Unit, and the Chicago Fire Department. His goal is to establish a dedicated marine IL DNR unit for Lake Michigan.

Rosie from the Office of Emergency Management & Communications, City of Chicago (OEMC) discussed the availability of “Stop the Bleed” training. She encouraged everyone to remember the importance of “see something, say something.” She highlighted the OEMC app for up-to-date information and the availability of “Stop the Bleed” kits as both wall-mounted and individual units.

Colin Smalley from the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced two permits open for public comment regarding proposed bridges on Chicago Avenue and Division Street. The public can comment on whether these should be drawbridges or “jack-up” bridges at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs. Rumors also suggest that the Salt Shed has applied for a dock permit, and an illegal dock nearby has been removed. The take-home message? GET A PERMIT! 

Next, we met Commander Theresa Bigay, who recently joined MSU Chicago, and her focus includes addressing illegal charters, unpermitted events, education, and enforcement.

As storms rolled into Chicago, the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Captain Rhianna N. Macon presented well-deserved awards to Chief Jason Lach of the Chicago Fire Department and Lieutenant Jose Menendez, Commander of the Marine Unit.

Next, Chief Glen Lovelace from the U.S. Coast Guard highlighted the ongoing problem of illegal charters and commended event organizer Lafayette for his efforts in promoting safe events. He also warmly welcomed first-time attendees from 31st Street Harbor to the CHSC meeting.

Organizers of the Chicago Duck Derby, a fundraiser for Special Olympics, presented on their upcoming event. On Thursday, August 7th, 75,000 ducks will be dropped into the Chicago River at the Columbus Drive Bridge around 1:00 p.m.

A physicist from Natural Science USA introduced fascinating electromagnetic remediation technology developed to remove oil and other chemicals from water.

Kate Eakin from the McKinley Park Development Council is actively cataloging escape ladders along the Chicago River and collecting data on other river features. Information and a QR code for reporting can be found at the McKinley Park Development Council website.

Finally, Rob Hardman, a Chicago native, discussed the Race World Offshore event, a 5-mile race course outside Montrose Harbor on Labor Day weekend.

Representatives from various sectors — Human Powered Craft, Commercial Passenger, Recreational, Facilities, Civic & Environmental, and Merchant Mariner — provided updates. The most significant news came from the Civic & Environmental Sector, which reported a $4.8 million settlement from the Trump Hotel for violating the Clean Water Act. This sector also discussed the “Slow It Down” campaign aimed at preventing injury to the shoreline and wildlife along the Chicago River.

The meeting was incredibly informative, and everyone is encouraged to participate in this vital forum for Chicago’s waterway safety.