
CHICAGO HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Chicago Harbor Safety Committee (CHSC) promotes safety, security and environmental stewardship on the waters of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan by fostering partnerships between the private sector and government agencies. The CHSC plays a pivotal role in representing the diverse users of the increasingly active Chicago Waterway.
Updated Chicago Harbor Lock Safe Use Guide
Amtrak Bridge
First Aid/AED Reward
- 2025 Q1 CHSC MeetingApr 09, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMChicago, 111 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
- CHSC 2025 Bareboat WorkshopApr 22, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PMChicago, 111 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
- Friends of the Chicago River - Chicago River DayMay 10, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMChicago, 121 W Wacker Dr Suite 1700, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
- National Maritime Day - Blessing of the FleetMay 22, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PMNavy Pier Wave Wall Performance Platform, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta SeriesMultiple DatesJun 06, 2025, 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMCYC Belmont and Monroe Stations, 300 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
- Chicago Dragon Boat Race for LiteracyJun 21, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMChicago, 1700 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
- NASCAR Chicago Street Race 2025Multiple DatesJul 05, 2025, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMChicago, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- 2025 Q2 CHSC MeetingJul 16, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMLocation is TBD
- Chicago Yacht Club Race to MackinacJul 19, 2025, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PMChicago, 400 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
- Lollapalooza 2025Jul 31, 2025, 12:00 PM – Aug 02, 2025, 10:00 PMChicago, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- Chicago Duck Derby 2025Aug 07, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PMChicago, 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Chicago Air and Water Show 2025Aug 15, 2025, 10:30 AM – Aug 17, 2025, 3:00 PMCook County, North Avenue Beach, Illinois 60614, USA
- Taste of Chicago 2025Sep 05, 2025, 11:00 AM – Sep 07, 2025, 9:00 PMChicago, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- 2025 Q3 CHSC MeetingOct 08, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMLocation is TBD
- Chicago MarathonOct 12, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMChicago, Grant Park, Chicago, IL, USA
- 2025 Q4 CHSC Meeting and Sector Representative ElectionsDec 10, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMLocation is TBD
Recreational Outreach Task Force
The Chicago Harbor Safety Committee is pleased to share the work product of the 2023 Recreational Outreach Task Force. The Recreational Task Force members were chosen based on their expertise, influence and dedication to improving marine safety. The primary recommendation of the task force was to promote training opportunities to the novice recreational boater. The task force work product can be found attached as opportunities for learning in the Chicago area. This list will be updated as training opportunities are developed.
Chicago Lock Safety Guide
The USACE has taken great steps in improving que area education and overall lock safety as a result of this partnership. The most effective byproduct is the “Chicago Harbor Lock Safety Guide” released in the Spring of 2022. This guide provides the optics and relevancy needed to assist the novice and experienced boat operator with the basics on locking through. The brochure clarifies the “Pecking order” of lock priority, the meaning of light signals, the need to keep the entry and exist clear. It also illustrates the important safety procedures designed to protect lock users and save lives.