Chicago Park District Launches New Non-Motorized Water Sport Options at Designated Beaches
Release Date: 06/18/09
For the first time, the Chicago Park District will allow surfing at designated beach areas and times. The Park District Board of Commissioners at a recent board meeting amended the Chicago Park District Code which allows the use of hardback non-motorized water sport floatation devices at designated Chicago beaches and times. This paves the way for beach goers to enjoy non-motorized water sports such as surfing or kite-surfing.
“The Chicago Park District is excited to now offering beach goers a chance to participate in a non-motorized water sport such as surfing at a designated lakefront areas,” said Tim Mitchell, Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO.
Surfing, defined as any self-propelled wave riding board sport, including longboard and shortboard surfing, body/”boogie” boarding, stand up paddling and skimboarding, is allowed in-season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, at Montrose Beach, 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive, and 57thStreet Beach, 5700 South and the lake, only. During the off-season, from Labor Day until Memorial Day, surfing is allowed at RainbowBeach, 7600 South and the lake, Montrose, and 57thstreets.
Kitesurfing, kiteboarding, or windsurfing uses wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard (which is like a wakeboard) and is allowed year-round within Chicago Park District swim areas at Montrose Beach only as designated by the on-duty lifeguards or other Chicago Park District designees.
Access to the Lake Michigan Water Trail for sports such as kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, stand-up paddle surfing and other non-motorized, self or wind-propelled board or paddle sports is allowed year-round at 11 locations which include:
· Leone Beach,
· the Wilson Ave. ramp at MontroseBeach,
· the south end of MontroseBeach,
· Montrose Harbor,
· Diversey Harbor north,
· Diversey Harbor south,
· 12th Street Beach,
· 63rd Street Beach,
· Jackson Park Inner Harbor,
· Rainbow Beach and
· Calumet Beach.
These locations are clearly marked with signs that say “Lake Michigan Water Trail Launch Site.” During the Chicago swim season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) beach locations should have additional buoys in the water to designate the approved “access path” out to the Lake Michigan Water Trail.
Participation for all these activities is at your own risk even if lifeguards are on duty. If lifeguards are on duty the participant must check in with them. The captain of the guards or other designated representative of the Chicago Park District has the final authority to allow, limit or deny participants access to the water.
Additionally, participation in these activities at locations which are not specifically designated may lead to a fine and/or arrest by the Chicago Police Department. Motorized water sports are not allowed anywhere on the Chicago lakefront except as otherwise specifically designated. However, surfers will not be allowed in active swim areas at any time.
The Park District cannot be liable for injuries sustained while surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailboarding, stand up paddling, kayaking, canoeing or participating in any other self- or wind-propelled board or paddle sports or other non-motorized water sport activities as these activities are considered dangerous under Illinois law (745 ILCS 10/3?109.) Participants assume all risks of the water sport or activity in which they are engaged. Drowning is the most obvious danger in Lake Michigan, so it is essential that anyone participating in any water sport on the lake be a strong, fit, and confident swimmer. Besides drowning, there are many other hazards that swimmers, surfers, and all others face while at the beach.
For information about all non-motorized watersports click here.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529
- Publication Date: 06/18/09