Make Waves, Ladies! Boat Safety with Chicago Women on the Water

Calling all water-loving women (and those who want to be)! Get ready to make a splash at the Chicago Women on Water event on July 20 at Diversey Harbor Yacht Club. We’re thrilled to announce that Boat Safe Chicago and Master Captain Lisa Dixon are teaming up for what we hope will be the first of many incredible women’s boating events!

This is your opportunity to visit Diversey Harbor and equip yourself with essential boating safety knowledge. Want to take your preparedness to the next level? You can also get your United States Coast Guard-approved CPR/AED/First Aid certification right at the event! Just a heads-up: the CPR/AED/First Aid course requires 1-2 hours of preparatory coursework, so be sure to register early and get a head start!

We were incredibly fortunate to interview Captain Lisa and get the inside scoop on her fascinating journey to becoming a full-time captain. You won’t want to miss her interview with Captain Brady, dropping this Thursday on Instagram! But for now, here’s a sneak peek into the life of this inspiring woman of the water:

Captain Lisa’s connection to the water runs deep, a legacy passed down through generations. Her love for boating began at a very young age, with summers spent on Lake Michigan and inland lakes, thanks to her grandfather and other family members who all had boats.

Born and raised in Palos Heights, IL, Lisa’s academic journey took her from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School to The Illinois Institute of Art Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. After college, she applied her design skills as a graphic designer, eventually transitioning into front-end web development and becoming a UX/UI designer, where she crafted websites and mobile apps for major corporations. But the call of the water was strong!

Lisa isn’t the only boater in her family; her younger brother, Matt, also shares her passion for the water. In fact, her dedication to the boating lifestyle is so profound that in the summers, she lives on her boat with her beloved dog! During the colder months, she resides in an apartment near Navy Pier. Even in the off season, she remains connected to the boating world, teaching captain school and occasionally taking on a UX/UI project.

What led her to become so dedicated to boat and water safety? Lisa started working on charter boats in 2010 and, over the years, witnessed many avoidable accidents. A personal tragedy in 2020, the loss of a good friend on the lake, ignited her unwavering commitment to boater education and safety training. For Lisa, providing boaters with the knowledge they need to be safe is paramount.

When asked what she loves about being on the water, Lisa shared, “Being on the water makes me feel connected with nature, I feel relaxed and at peace. I’ve never had a bad day on the water, even in high seas.” And if you’re wondering, this peace-loving captain is a Capricorn!

When she’s not on the water, you might find her enjoying Mexican food, especially from the Amasa taco truck right outside Diversey Harbor – her frequent stop between charters. And what does she love about Chicago?

“The people,” she says, “I get to meet hundreds of different people every year on charters from all over the Chicagoland area and sometimes from out of town. I enjoy spending time with them on the water and being a part of their experience on Lake Michigan and our beautiful city. The view of Chicago from the lake is like no other.”

No mention of Captain Lisa would be complete without introducing her amazing first mate, Abbey! Abbey is an American Bulldog whom Lisa rescued when she was just five weeks old. What makes Abbey extra special? She was born deaf, but that hasn’t stopped her! Lisa taught her sign language, and this October, Abbey will be celebrating her 13th birthday. Abbey absolutely adores boating, and on every vessel she’s on with Lisa, she loves to sit in the captain’s chair while Lisa drives. How cute is that?!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and get inspired. Mark your calendars for July 20, and we’ll see you at Diversey Harbor Yacht Club!

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