With boating season and summer activities beginning in Chicago, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), the Chicago Fire, Police Departments and Park District, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police and the Harbor Safety Committee are reminding residents and visitors out and about on Chicago’s Lakefront and River to prevent water rescues and emergencies by adhering to boating rules and keep safety in mind on beaches and pools.

City of Chicago beaches will open for the Summer on Friday, May 24. The Chicago Park District urges patrons to enjoy the beaches safely and responsibly and look for “No Swimming Allowed” signage that indicates that swimming is not sanctioned in that area. Visitors should consult the district’s website or social media platforms to ensure water conditions are safe for swimming before heading out to the beach and only enter the water when a lifeguard is on duty. Swim hours are 11am to 7pm, daily, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Lakefront/Beach Safety:

· Wear a Life Jacket: Not only having a life jacket but wearing it properly is the first defense against drownings. Life jackets come in numerous sizes and types designed for different activities. The life jacket you wear to the pool may not be suitable for kayaking on a river as well. Always check the manufacturer tag for any weight maximums and usage designation as well as the United States Coast Guard Life Jacket requirements.

· Boaters should be mindful of break wall locations at all times: When water levels rise high enough to cover the walls, boaters may be at risk of serious injury and vessel damage.

· Boating Under the Influence is just as deadly as drinking and driving: It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. The Coast Guard also enforces a federal law that prohibits BUI. This law pertains to ALL boats including canoes and rowboats.

· Learn to Swim: Learning to swim can be fun and easy, no matter your age. Check out local swim programs at schools, community centers, and the Park District. Go to the Chicago Park District website for further details on Swimming Lessons offered in your area.

· Never Swim Alone or at night: Swimming alone or in the dark is extremely dangerous and can end in tragedy. Even when at personal pools and spas, swimming without a buddy is never safe and should not be done.

· Swim Near Lifeguards: Swimming at a Lifeguard protected pool or beach is essential to safety. Lifeguards are trained in numerous rescue skills, CPR, AED usage, and much more. Listen to their rules and instructions as they are there for your safety and enjoyment. Never rely on lifeguards as “babysitters” for children in the water, if your child is in the water, you should be too.

· Take a CPR class!: Learning CPR is easy and an essential skill for the bystander who may witness an aquatic emergency. Take a CPR class this summer at your local Fire Station, Hospital, or other agency and increase your readiness to help a loved one or someone else in need. Visit the American Heart Association or American Red Cross websites for details on how and where to sign up for a class near you!

· Report suspicious activity: Protecting our beaches and pools is a public effort and reporting any unwanted or suspicious activity to first responders immediately can help save lives. If you ever see something unusual or are ever unsure, please call 9-1-1 right away.

· Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and have fun! Be Safe Chicago!.

· Rip Currents: Learn how to escape a rip current: Relax, swim to shore but don’t swim against current; If you can’t escape, float or tread water

· Lakefront Paths: Heed the warnings and obey signage or officials on path closures; Do NOT navigate around barricades or closures – they are there for your safety to avoid risks of falls or being swept into the water, requiring rescue. During thunderstorms, being near bodies of water such as the lakefront paths or Riverwalk can pose threats of flooding and being swept into currents, especially with high lake levels. Heed any warnings to avoid the lakefront and Riverwalk when these are issued.

OEMC's Location Identifier/Pole Marker Program

For public safety on the lakefront, event and concert attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and on DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 5700 North to 6600 South to help them reference their location along the lakefront and within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. OEMC call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location to first responders.

The location identifiers/pole markers are utilized at various events such as the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, the Chicago Marathon, and the Air and Water Show by attendees to inform on-site security of their location. In addition, the signage can be used to inform others of their location as well. They can also be used between friends and family members as meeting point if you become separated. For complete details click HERE.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you See Something Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that

emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Head Out

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips this Summer, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, CHI Safe Walk, weather information, DNC 2024 details and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current events and forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Weather and Public Safety

OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses:

· CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5

· CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911)