Waterway Watch! Chicago Harbor Safety October Recap

The Chicago Harbor Safety Committee (CHSC) convened its latest meeting on the afternoon of October 22, 2025, graciously hosted by the Columbia Yacht Club. President Mike McElroy opened the session by thanking the attendees and welcoming special guest, Retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Brian Penoyer.

The overarching theme of the meeting was the tremendous collaborative effort happening across Chicago’s maritime community, united by a common interest in safety, security, and hospitality. The CHSC Outreach Task Force has successfully made connections with many new partners including Paragon Global Initiative Foundation, Southern Shore Yacht Club, and others.

Critical Infrastructure and Funding Updates

Federal Funding Concerns

A major discussion point centered on the significant reduction in funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operations, particularly for the Chicago Harbor Lock. Funding has plummeted from over $5 million last year to just $296,000.

While the CHSC remains a non-political group, President McElroy stressed that the Harbor Lock is an integral component of our waterway infrastructure that must be maintained and properly funded. The committee will continue its focused outreach to Congressional and Senate representatives regarding this crucial issue. 

Additionally, a new subcommittee will propose a plan for helping to support our partners at MSU Chicago and Station Calumet who are unpaid during the ongoing government shutdown.

Award Nomination and Leadership Change

Safety Award Nomination: Chicago’s Finest Marina & Underground Railroad Station nominated the CHSC for the Edward Winfield Safety Award (named after Chicago’s first African American lifeguard in 1919) for its dedication to outreach and safety engagement.

Coast Guard Leadership: An update was provided on the recent Change of Command Ceremony, during which Rear Admiral Russell Dash assumed command of the USCG Great Lakes District from Rear Admiral Jon Hickey.  

Illinois DNR: Keith Tepovich from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has been promoted and will remain on the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee.

Major Safety Wins and Upcoming Exercises

Chicago Secures Firefighting Task Force Funding

In a huge announcement for public safety, Chicago has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 funding for the Great Lakes Firefighting Task Force. This event will bring firefighting resources and professionals from across the tri-state area to train specifically on the unique challenges of responding to a passenger vessel fire. A special thank you was given to Grace Fuller at City Cruises for sponsoring this vital event. 

Agency Protocols and Response

CFD Vigilance: Chicago’s real-life superhero, Chief Jason Locke from the Chicago Fire Department, confirmed the department remains vigilant, keeping fast boats in the water until December 1st and ensuring divers and helicopter resources are always on call. Engine 2 will remain riverside after the Locks close. As always, he reminded the group to call 911 in an emergency. 

Coast Guard Updates & Bulletins from Commander TJ Bigay (MSU Chicago)

• A new Marine Safety Bulletin (MSB) addresses lithium-ion batteries and firefighting protocols on passenger vessels.
• Expect a revamp of education and outreach campaigns against Illegal Charter Operations.
• Companies can submit a “REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE” from the team’s cybersecurity expert. You may sign up to work with the cyber protection team to detect and deter threats and strengthen infrastructure. Of note, this program is NOT linked to enforcement, and no deficiencies will be issued.
• Fall retrieve starts 11/1, removing buoys and markers from our waterways. MSU Chicago collaborates with Sector Lake Michigan to complete this project.
• Take note that there are vertical clearance discrepancies on bridges. The commander advised using multiple tools and resources and ultimately “using the most conservative.”

Innovative Safety Collaborations

• A highly successful and valuable exercise took place between the St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School Rowing Team and the tug and barge industry—a perfect example of working together for mutual safety. Find more details in the SECTOR REPORT.
• Derek Bell from Middle River Marine updated the group on the new “NEAR MISS” form coming to the CHSC website. The goal is to collect data and identify gaps to ultimately make our waterways safer.
• Derek also provided updates on oil spill remediation and Natural Science USA, which are pending approvals for their new technology. Anyone interested in working on this project can reach out to Derek or Don Campbell.

Calumet Area and Bridge Rehabilitation Schedules

CHSC Vice President Don Campbell provided an update on the Calumet Area Safety, Security, and Navigation (CASSAN) meeting, highlighting essential bridge projects: 

The goal for these projects is to minimally impede navigation. Additionally, the Calumet Area Land Use Project is actively seeking input from industry and residents to balance job creation with green space development. Everyone is welcome at their monthly meetings.

Sector Collaboration: Chicago River Swim SUCCESS

The meeting celebrated the success of the recent Chicago River Swim on September 21st. Planner Douglas McConnell reported that 263 swimmers raised $400,000 for ALS Research and a learn-to-swim program in the Pullman neighborhood. President McElroy noted the event was “one of the most perfect examples of all the Sectors cooperating,” demonstrating the power of a unified CHSC vision. He said that the organizers began seeking feedback immediately after the event, and this desire for continuous improvement aligns with the CHSC goals.

Doug noted that fundraising enables 2,000 children each year to participate in water safety lessons. “It doesn’t put them on the Olympic team”, notes Doug, “it just means they won’t drown”.

Let’s hope the event continues in 2026 and becomes an annual event!

Key Operational Matters

Abandoned Vessels: A pressing need was identified for improved methods to identify and secure funding for the removal of sunken and abandoned vessels from waterways.

Lifejacket Ordinance: Captain David Brezina is drafting the CHSC’s official response to the proposed recreational lifejacket ordinance. The CHSC will ensure a representative is at all City Hall meetings to represent the organization and provide input.

New Leadership Needed: Four Sector Lead positions are up for election at the Annual Meeting in December: Commercial Passenger Vessel, Civic & Environmental, Bareboat, and Recreational. Members in good standing are encouraged to apply.

New Challenge Coin: President McElroy discussed the CHSC “Challenge Coin” presented to publicly recognize individuals who go above and beyond in the name of safety, security, and hospitality on Chicago waterways.

OEMC App: President McElroy noted that this is one of his favorite downloads, providing critical information on road closures and incidents in the city. You can find it HERE.

Waterway Closures & Updates

USACE

• Chicago Lock closures were announced:

      1.    Repair Closure: November 3 (0600) to November 6 (1800).

      2.    Winter Closure: November 15 through approximately April 2026 (to complete the chamber floor final phase)           

• The TJ O’Brien Lock will have a 12-hour closure scheduled for November. DATE TBD.
•  The Lockport Lock is scheduled to close from March 31 through May 19.

Navy Pier Marina

The Navy Pier Marina dream team thanked everyone for a great season and noted that the marina’s safety lights and buoys will be pulled around November 1.

Lake Street Bridge Renovation

Frank “Sonny” Jaramilla discussed the CDOT Project to renovate the iconic Lake Street bascule bridge, built in 1916. The bridge house will also be fully renovated.

Chicago Transit Authority Pink Line rail service (which runs on top of the bridge) will be maintained during construction, except for two 12-day shutdowns in fall 2026 and spring 2027.

This project requires collaborative efforts with the USCG, CTA, the river community, and other partners. The contractor will be using the river to bring in heavy equipment and bridge components.

Sonny also worked on the Wells Street bridge renovation and showed the attendees a time-lapse video of that 2013 project. President McElroy noted that it was amazing to see river traffic and safe navigation continue around the bridge construction operations.

Sector Reports: Cross-Sector Collaboration and Key Initiatives

The sector reports provided deep insight into the specific safety and operational challenges facing Chicago’s diverse waterway users. A key takeaway across all sectors was the successful, constructive collaboration that is leading to safer practices and innovative solutions. The meeting highlighted several successful examples of sectors working together:

Human Powered & Commercial Passenger Vessels: Captain Jeff Miro  and the Human Powered Craft Sector have established a valuable exchange program. Commercial captains are getting in kayaks, and kayak guides are viewing the river from the wheelhouse. This eye-opening practice allows both groups to understand each other’s perspectives, serving as a model for constructive collaboration. 

The Human Powered Sector also plans to expand the successful barge-riding opportunities for high school students, deepening youth understanding of commercial operations.

Regulatory and Policy Focus

Key issues around compliance and infrastructure were addressed:

Commercial Passenger Vessels (Capt. Jeff Miro): The sector is actively discussing the implications of the new lithium-ion battery marine safety bulletin, noting the immediate need to address the risk posed by e-bikes brought onto water taxis. This sector is also planning a tabletop firefighting exercise on November 20, 2025, in preparation for the live, full-scale exercise in September 2026.

Safety and Navigation Committee: A subcommittee is needed to address wake issues and ambiguities in existing laws regarding speed and vessel behavior. President McElroy noted the committee’s commitment to ensuring the Chicago Lock project stays on task through monthly meetings of the Chicago Lock Task Force.

Commercial Tug and Barge (Dan Wolf): Discussions were held regarding the possibility of shallow water on the river during the week of 10/27, with boaters advised to monitor planned water-level changes from USACE and MWRD.

Community Outreach and Environmental Stewardship

Sectors emphasized education, preservation, and public engagement:

Recreational Boat Sector (Captain Jerry Miarecki): While marine fatality deaths saw a downward trend from 2023 to 2024, the need for increased education remains paramount. The sector is expanding its community outreach with a growing team of IL DNR instructors, focusing beyond the downtown area. Continuing last year’s initiative, they will promote CPR/AED/ and first aid training for boaters, with a raffle grand prize of an AED.

Captain Jerry also summarized the USCG Auxiliary’s amazing work in providing instructional hours and completing boat inspections, and commented on the value of having an IDNR officer participate in instructional classes.

Captain Dave Brezina reminded the group that any boating safety class held at a private yacht club must be open to the public.

The Sector seeks individuals and organizations to participate in the committee and teaching and outreach opportunities. Boat Safe Chicago proudly offers an array of classroom training and National Safe Boating Council on-water training. 

Civic and Environmental Sector (Becky Lyons, Friends of the Chicago River): This sector is championing the “Slow it Down” campaign to combat boats traveling too fast, particularly on the South Branch and the Calumet River, which causes bank erosion and affects kayakers. They are developing a dedicated page for the CHSC website and thanked partners for promoting the issue on social media.

Becky also reminded the group about the McKinley Park Development Council online FORM you can use to report broken ladders or other safety issues along the River.

Becky took one more moment to acknowledge the Chicago River Swim again.  “For Friends, it was just such a really exciting moment”, said Becky, “ because it was a culmination of a lot of work that we’ve been doing for years. We were really happy to be part of it.”

Bareboat (Kelli Kovach): This sector will host a workshop in the spring and continues to promote the use of the Near-Miss Committee for reporting safety incidents. The near- miss form on the CHSC is currently undergoing some updates.

Mariner Support, Fundraising, and UPCOMING EVENTS

The Merchant Mariners Sector (Capt. Tom Blakely) demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and heritage:

Fundraising: The INTERNATIONAL SHIPMASTERS ASSOCIATION – CHICAGO LODGE NO 3  raised $5,000 for colon cancer research and voted to provide funding resources for furloughed government workers at MSU Chicago and Station Calumet.

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial: The memorial event on November 1st at St. Paul’s Church in Pilsen for the 50th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald has been canceled. This event was a fundraiser for Stella Maris Ministry’s spiritual and mental health services for mariners. If you would still like to donate, you can do so HERE. Be sure to select “Stella Maris” from the dropdown donation menu,

The sector announced the Christmas Ship Fundraiser taking place on the First Lady on November 22nd.

The Sector welcomes ideas and input for the 2026 Shipmasters Industry Day.

Propeller Club Guest

The final speaker was Ben Pinnington, representing the award-winning Chicago Propeller Club. As a chapter of the world’s largest maritime networking organization—with 80 chapters globally—Ben highlighted the Propeller Club’s mission: to galvanize the maritime industry through business-to-business networking.

Since launching the Chicago chapter in 2023, the club has hosted nine events, including a recent successful engagement with the organization’s highest leadership. Their next event is scheduled for October 29th, a river cruise aboard the Wendella. Ben extended an open invitation to all attendees interested in joining this vital business niche.

Additionally, Ben announced the upcoming release of his book, Making Waves, available starting November 4th.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The meeting concluded with a passionate call to action from President McElroy, who encouraged all attendees to continue inspiring one another and be “cheerleaders for safety,” and embody the spirit of the rising tide that raises all boats.

If you have any questions or submissions about the Challenge Coin or general CHSC business, please email Info@chicagoharborsafety.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Propeller Club Networking Event October 29, 2025/ Ticket link HERE

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial and Fundraiser, November 1, 2025 / event canceled 

Christmas Tree Ship Fundraiser November 22, 2025/ Ticket link HERE

The next CHSC meeting is scheduled for December 10, 2025.

#ChicagoMaritime #WaterSafety #GreatLakes #USACE #CHSC #MarineSafety #BoatSafeChicago #ChicagoFirefighting #USCG