CHICAGO — The return of warm summer weather means residents and guests visiting the city can finally hit the water, especially those looking to do a bit more than just swim.
While paddle craft, like canoes, rowing skimmers, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards offer a fun way to take in the city, there are some rules and safety measures that should be taken into consideration before hitting the water.
Paddling the Chicago River can provide a unique look into the history and ecology of the city, but things can quickly become dangerous, so safety should be top of mind for anyone looking to hit the water.
In Illinois, rules and regulations regarding paddle craft are set in place by the United States Coast Guard, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the City of Chicago.
For those looking to launch a paddle craft on the Chicago River this summer, there are some things to keep in mind to stay safe and prepared in case of an emergency.
Officials say safety begins with paddlers making sure they know that they are paddling at their own risk and should know their physical limits.
Before hitting the water, officials say paddlers should mark all paddle craft with personal contact information, that way authorities can track down the owner if they become separated.
Anyone looking to hit the water should check the weather ahead of time and be aware of any changing conditions.
An incoming bout of storms could quickly sour a fun trip and create unforeseen difficulties.
You can stay up to date by checking the latest forecasts from the WGN weather experts.
Paddlers that could end up taking on water should also carry a hand pump or other means of removing water.
City officials also say a paddle leash that keeps the paddle tied to the vessel can also come in handy in the event you drop the paddle. A paddle float and a towline can also be helpful for those who lose control of the paddle craft.
Lastly, officials say paddlers hitting the water should pack a bag with drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, rain gear and a hat. If possible a waterproof bag to hold the items can also keep extra clothing and valuables safe and dry.
Safety on the river begins with awareness. The city advises those operating all vessels to stay aware of their surroundings, including the nearest entry and exit points.
When on the river, paddlers should maintain an awareness of the high seawalls present throughout the river, which can create challenges when trying to exit the waterway. The high seawalls are also conducive to higher wave action from vessels leaving wakes.
Visibility challenges are also presented by curves and bends in the river, bridge abutments and working barges, so officials warn paddlers to be aware of unexpected vessels as paddle craft, which are low to the water, can be difficult for larger vessels to see.
Given that safety is a top priority when on the water, city officials have a slew of recommendations for paddlers, but only one of them is a requirement.
According to the city’s Chicago River Water Trail Safe Paddling Guide, paddlers taking on the river are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket.
While it is not legally required for paddlers, officials also advise they carry a sound-producing device, like a whistle.
Another piece of safety equipment that is not required, but recommended by officials is reflective materials on the vessel or paddle blades.
Officials say operators can affix reflective material along the sides of paddle craft and on paddle blades to help increase visibility to other vessels and should work to make themselves visible when on the water.
It is also advised that paddlers carry a handheld and waterproof VFH-FM marine radio for emergency communication.
Those whose vessels are equipped with a VHF radio are advised to call for help on channel 16. Paddlers can also call 911 on their cell phones and should be prepared to provide operators with their locations.
Officials say cell phones, however, should only be used as a backup communications device while on the water. Those with cell phones are advised to check the batteries before paddling and keep the device in a water-tight plastic bag that is attached to them.
Lastly, officials advise paddlers to join others and avoid paddling alone.
City officials say all watercraft users should be aware that the Chicago River is an active waterway with high volumes of traffic, which could present hazards to those operating smaller vessels, like paddle craft.
Special attention should also be paid to other waterway traffic and paddlers should not assume that they are visible to other boaters.
The city warns that paddlers should never cross in front of oncoming traffic and should leave plenty of room to maneuver, as large vessels may be traveling faster than they appear and cannot stop or change course quickly.
Paddlers should also be aware of sewer outfalls, a point where sewage is discharged into a body of water.
Officials say paddle craft operators navigating the Chicago River must maintain an awareness of larger vessels moving through the water.
According to the city, larger vessels on the river must maintain speed to steer and cannot stop quickly.
Paddlers are advised to avoid crossing in front of approaching vessels and should instead wait until it passes and the water calms.
Additionally, paddlers should not assume they can be seen, as a vessel operator’s blind spot could extend hundreds of feet in front of tugboats, or towboats pushing barge.
Because of their wake, paddlers are advised to stay as far away as possible from larger vessels as they pass.
Those equipped with a VHF radio can also communicate with tug pilots and commercial captains on channel 16.
While night paddling is legal in Chicago, there are significant hazards that paddlers could face and only experienced paddlers should take on the river at night.
Officials say paddling at night can be very dangerous, even for those who are experienced as dark conditions can make it difficult for paddlers to identify potential hazards, like boat traffic or fast-changing weather patterns.
According to the city, in addition to a proper life jacket, all night paddlers are required to display navigational lighting in accordance with the navigation rules set in place by the United States Coast Guard.
The IDNR says all vessels operating on Lake Michigan must be equipped with a USCG-approved visual distress signal if operating between sunset and sunrise.
Anyone who hits the water can quickly find themselves in danger for a number of reasons, including a vessel taking on water, falling out of the vessel or even a collision.
City officials advise anyone who finds themselves in a dangerous situation while on the water to try and remain calm.
If conditions allow when in distress, officials advise paddlers to swim to the seawall to try and right their boat or look for a place to wait for help.
If possible, officials advise paddlers to stay with their craft, as the crafts are usually easier to spot in the water than just a person.
Those whose vessels are equipped with a VHF radio are advised to call for help on channel 16. Paddlers can also call 911 on their cell phones and should be prepared to provide operators with their locations.
Additionally, to avoid finding yourself stuck, officials recommend paddlers familiarize themselves with ways to re-enter their vessel with and without a paddle float or learn how to make a rescue stirrup from a towline.
Lastly, officials say paddlers should only ever abandon their vessels if absolutely necessary.
According to the IDNR, all vessels operating on Lake Michigan must be equipped with a USCG-approved visual distress signal if operating between sunset and sunrise.
The Chicago River Waterway Trail Map indicates traffic zones, access points and MWRD outfall locations.
Areas marked in red on the map are those with the highest volume of traffic. Orange areas are zones with medium to high volumes of traffic. Yellow zones indicate medium traffic volumes while Green indicates a low volume of traffic.
The city advises inexperienced paddlers to keep to the green sections of the trail until they become more familiar and comfortable with operating a paddle craft.
Areas of the trail marked in red are not recommended for inexperienced paddlers.
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