Safety on a Massive Scale

Guarding the Nation’s Largest Municipal Harbor System.

Published: Friday, March 27, 2026 9:00 am
By: Danica Uzelac, RN, BSN, CCRC

Chicago boasts the largest municipal harbor system in the United States. From the industrial pulse of the Calumet River to the scenic slips of Montrose Harbor, this sprawling maritime network is a crown jewel of the Great Lakes. While the city shivers through winter, the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee (CHSC) works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the upcoming season is the safest one yet.

Setting the Gold Standard

At the center of this effort is Mike McElroy, now in his third term as CHSC President. Under his leadership, Chicago hosted the 2024 National Harbor Safety Convention, an event so successful it earned the committee the National Harbor Safety Award for Excellence from the USCG Commandant. This recognition validated the hard work of numerous local partners who have turned Chicago’s maritime safety protocols into a national model.

Strategic Initiatives

As the 2026 season approaches, the CHSC is juggling several "front-burner" initiatives. A major focus is the "Safe Egress Points" project, which identifies emergency landing zones for everyone from commercial captains to kayakers. Additionally, the committee is launching a “Slow it Down” campaign to address careless operation in no-wake zones, which continues to threaten docks, smaller vessels, and the local environment.

Safety also requires high-stakes preparation. In September 2026, the CHSC will collaborate with the USCG and the Chicago Fire Department for a live mass-rescue exercise off Navy Pier. This two-day event will simulate major marine incidents, including vessel fires and active-shooter responses, ensuring local agencies are prepared for any scenario.

Closing the Education Gap

Boater education remains a critical challenge. Currently, Illinois law requires education only for individuals born after January 1, 1998. "Most incidents involve folks over 28 who can afford a boat but lack training," McElroy notes. Beyond lobbying for mandatory education for all ages, the CHSC is expanding the pool of IDNR instructors to make classroom safety sessions more convenient for local boaters.

2026 Summer Outlook

Chicago’s waterways offer an unparalleled view of world-class architecture and a vibrant Riverwalk. While maritime access improves each year, McElroy reminds boaters that conditions can change rapidly. Through advocacy and preparation, the CHSC ensures that Chicago remains a premier, and safe, destination for all.

Photo by RTS Images.

About the Author:

Danica Uzelac, RN, BSN, CCRC, is a 34-year veteran of Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center with a career-long commitment to public safety. She is a lead writer for Big Apple Health Communications and a key contributor to the award-winning Boat Safe Chicago project. Based between the maritime communities of Chicago, IL, and Holland, MI, Danica is a boating enthusiast and the mother of two teenagers.

tags: 2024 National Harbor Safety Convention, Award, Calumet River, Chicago, Chicago Harbor Safety Committee, Education, safety