U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Four Chicago

06/04/2026

The U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center has launched a new online Marine Event Permit application process effective June 3rd. Marine event sponsors conducting regattas, marine parades, fireworks displays, swim events, or similar activities on navigable waters of the United States are encouraged to utilize the updated online submission capability. Applications should be submitted to the appropriate Captain of the Port at least 135 days prior to the scheduled event. Marine Event Permit Application and additional information are available at: https://navcen.uscg.gov/contact/Application-For-Marine-Event-Permit

05/28/2026

Volunteer for the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey!

The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) is a nationwide survey sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard to understand how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they are on the water. As part of the survey, we are asking for volunteers to complete a brief sign-up page asking about their boating habits and share their contact information with the Coast Guard so a wide range of boaters can be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS survey later in the year.

To volunteer, please go to: https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Did you know Illinois law about Engine Cut Off Switches changed?
625 ILCS 45/4-11 (b) “A motorboat operator may not operate a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch and such switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed.”
While Illinois law used to be at all times, inadvertent tripping of the switch at low speeds, like when docking or in a lock, could result in a loss of thrust when you need it – boats have no brakes, you need to put it in reverse. Safety is improved by
(1) making sure the ECOS works and
(2) using the ECOS at the right time – all the time when you’re on plane.
Illinois law is now the same as Federal law (46 U.S. Code § 4312) – wear the ECOS lanyard - or electronic ECOS - when you are going to be on plane – above displacement speed. You don’t want to fall overboard and have your boat runaway.
https://lig.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500450HArt%2E+IV&ActID=1826&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=7600000&SeqEnd=8900000

05/19/2026

Reports on conditions are available on your phone, by text, real time.
Text these to 866 218-9973:
45174 (Wilmette Buoy)
CHII2 (Harrison Dever Crib)
45198 (Navy Pier Buoy)

05/18/2026

It's safe boating week. And, yes, wear your personal flotation device. But you should also check the weather. The Navy Pier weather buoy is now in operation. You can get real time reports on conditions on the lake. Don't ask people on social media "what's it look like on the lake?" Check yourself.
https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/mobile/station.php?station=45198

05/16/2026

May 16 - 22 is National Safe Boating Week
https://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/2026-national-safe-boating-week-offers-tips-for-all-boaters/

05/15/2026

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED THE "RIVER TRIP" -- AND WILL BE DOING IT IN THE FALL, THE COAST GUARD JUST POSTED AN UPDATED NOTICE ABOUT THE LAKE STREET BRIDGE
*****REVISED*****
IL - LAKE MICHIGAN – Chicago Harbor
From August 15, 2025, through December 1, 2026, the Lake Street Bridge at Mile 1.64 (CORPS MILE 325.5) over the South Branch of the Chicago River, will be replaced, one leaf at a time. One half of the channel will be open to navigation without any equipment with a fully operational bridge leaf. The leaf of the bridge being replaced will be secured to masted navigation and will have six barges 120-feet by 80-feet or smaller working near or under the secured leaf. The contractor will display temporary steady burning yellow lights on the bottom and four-corners of the bridge leaves until the permanent bridge lighting can be established. Any equipment moving near mid-channel or in the unaffected side of the channel should be passed with standard agreements in accordance with the Navigation Rules.
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05/14/2026

1. CHICAGO HARBOR LOCK WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC ON THURSDAY MAY 21, 2026, FROM 0400 AM UNTIL 1000 AM AND ON FRIDAY MAY 22, 2026, FROM 0400 AM UNTIL 1000 AM. THE PURPOSE OF THE CLOSURE IS DUE TO ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE THAT REQUIRES A POWER OUTAGE TO COMPLETE. FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, CHICAGO DISTRICT AT 815-510-0361.
CANCEL AT//211530Z MAY 26//

05/14/2026

CALL 312 310 6398 FOR YOUR VESSEL SAFETY CHECK