U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District

08/03/2026

Last week, Chicago District Commander Lt. Col. Dawes spent time in the field visiting projects and meeting with the teams who help deliver our mission every day.

📍 Tuesday: A tour of projects along the Chicago shoreline included discussions on the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study.

🚢 Wednesday: Leadership visited the Lake Michigan Floating Plant to meet with personnel before stopping at the T.J. O'Brien Lock and Dam to discuss the upcoming rehabilitation project.

⚡ Thursday: The week wrapped up with a visit to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) Electric Dispersal Barrier to discuss its purpose, history, and ongoing and future projects, followed by a stop at Lockport to see recently completed repairs.

These visits provide an opportunity to connect with our workforce, see projects firsthand, and reinforce our commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure, protecting our waterways, and serving the communities throughout the Chicago District.

07/31/2026

No Wake Zones are there for a reason. Reducing your speed helps protect swimmers, paddlers, and wildlife, keeps docks and boats safe from damage, and protects shorelines from erosion.

Remember, when you enter a No Wake Zone:
✅ Slow to idle speed
✅ Minimize your wake
✅ Stay alert for others on the water
✅ Take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
✅ Make sure every passenger stays on the vessel and keeps their life jacket on

07/29/2026

Keep these rules in mind to help ensure that you and your loved ones have the best time at your favorite lake or river.

07/27/2026

That inflatable raft can be a lot of fun—until an unexpected fall turns into a fight for your life.

A fall from a raft, kayak, or boat can leave even experienced swimmers struggling in open water. Lakes, rivers, and ponds have currents, cold temperatures, uneven bottoms, and changing conditions that you won't find in a swimming pool.

Protect yourself and those you love—wear a life jacket whenever you're in, on, or near the water.

07/25/2026

Dealing with wave action and currents caused by boats or wind can make swimming exhausting in open waters, regardless of how well you can swim. A belt-style inflatable life jacket is designed for swimmers. They won’t restrict your swimming ability and will be there if you need it so .

YouTube link:

This video shows a friend challenging another friend to swim out to...

07/24/2026

You are invited to attend the pre-dredging public meeting for Indiana Harbor.

📅 August 20, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍4444 Railroad Avenue East Chicago, IN 46312

👷Contractor, Roen Salvage, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will present information and answer questions from the public. The meeting will follow the regular monthly ECWMD public board meeting that starts at 5pm.

🚧 Maintenance dredging of the Indiana Harbor and Shipping Canal is scheduled to start the second week of September, 2026.

07/24/2026

Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought! Before heading out on the water make sure that safety always comes first.

07/20/2026

Before towing a skier, wakeboarder, tuber, or other rider, make sure the person being towed and everyone involved understands the standard hand signals used to communicate on the water.

The spotter’s role is especially important. Because the boat operator must focus on safely operating the vessel, the spotter is responsible for watching the rider and relaying hand signals and messages to the operator. Clear communication helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

07/19/2026

Did you know drowning is a silent killer? Most people expect a drowning victim to wave, yell, or call for help, but drowning is often quiet and difficult to recognize. It’s estimated that around 60% of drowning incidents are witnessed. Bystanders don’t realize someone is in distress because they do not know the warning signs.

Common signs of a drowning person include:
• Head tilted back, bobbing up and down
• Mouth open, gasping for air
• Not yelling, can’t call for help
• Arms extended to the sides, pressing down on the water to keep the head above the surface

07/13/2026

Before heading out on the water, check the weather forecast and file a float plan with a trusted person who is not on the trip. Carry current maps or nautical charts of the waterways you’ll be traveling, along with a weather radio or another reliable device to monitor changing conditions while boating.

If you encounter an unexpected storm, ensure everyone is wearing a properly fitted life jacket. Have passengers sit low in the boat near the centerline to help maintain stability. Reduce speed and navigate with the bow pointed into the waves at approximately a 45-degree angle. If operating a personal watercraft, approach waves head-on. These precautions can help improve control of the vessel and reduce the risk of capsizing in rough conditions.

Get your float plan here: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/4806