Navy Pier witnessed a tumultuous launch to the summer boating season on Lake Michigan, marred by high winds and unsafe conditions that led to canceled charters and frustrated boaters.
Last Saturday, strong winds and waves prompted several charter companies to either cancel their outings or remain docked, leading to growing discontent among customers.
High-profile influencers took to social media to voice their outrage, criticizing the apparent lack of safety measures and organization during the popular Black Yacht Weekend, which follows the Juneteenth holiday.
In its fifth year, Black Yacht Weekend draws young Black professionals and creatives nationwide for a celebration of luxury from VIP yacht parties to rooftop events, with many attendees renting boats in advance.
Tragedy struck over the weekend when two individuals lost their lives in separate boating accidents near Navy Pier, including 27-year-old celebrity stylist Zahrie Walls, while a 49-year-old man remains unidentified.
While it’s still unclear if the latter’s incident was connected to the weekend festivities, the accidents cast a shadow over the gathering, which primarily took place in the Playpen, a well-known party cove.
Adding to the chaos was a serious incident wherein a man lost his foot due to a collision between two boats as he attempted to disembark one of them.
Musician and digital creator Jazmine Hood, known as Lil Perfect, recounted a harrowing experience aboard her boat when it began to sway dangerously due to rough water conditions.
She explained how her group struggled to retrieve an anchor that became stuck while trying to signal a Chicago Fire Department boat for assistance.
Hood criticized the insufficient safety gear on her vessel, noting there were only four life vests for twelve people onboard.
“I would not be returning to Chicago anytime soon,” she expressed, highlighting the negligence that appeared to permeate the event.
Fire Department spokesperson Larry Langford remarked that they were not aware of Hood’s distress call, suggesting that in emergencies, people should call 911 for help rather than simply waving.
Regrettably, the Playpen has a history of tragic events, including multiple deaths and injuries in recent years, raising serious questions about boating safety in that area.
The weekend also sparked concerns regarding boat safety among attendees.
One woman reported a boat sinking due to exhaust problems, urging caution to future renters.
By the close of the weekend, the U.S. Coast Guard had assisted 107 individuals on Lake Michigan, involving 46 search and rescue operations that saved 16 lives.
An attendee, Queenie Clopton, vented her disappointments via social media, stating that the chaos and danger experienced were the results of “greed” and “poor planning” by those responsible for the event.
She argued that the series of tragedies could have been avoided had the event organizers prioritized safety and communication.
Despite her grievances, Clopton intends to return next year but insists better safety protocols should be established, akin to those in the airline industry.
She advocates for thorough pre-departure safety briefings that include the location of life vests and emergency procedures, emphasizing the need for sober individuals overseeing each boat’s operation.
Organizers of Black Yacht Weekend released a statement on Instagram expressing their sorrow over Walls’ death, indicating the incident had not been officially linked to their event while still urging participants to prioritize safety on the water.
While Black Yacht Weekend organizers did not provide further comments, Jarvis Houston, a prior participant and travel company owner, firmly believes that stricter safety protocols could have avoided the fatal incident.
Houston emphasized the essential role of having a capable first mate to ensure safety during outings, highlighting that a thorough understanding of safety protocols is key.
He further noted the importance of recognizing the differences in boat sizes, alluding to events where large gatherings can overwhelm the capabilities of smaller vessels.
Firefighter Dwayne Smith echoed Houston’s concerns about safety, emphasizing the critical need for sober drivers on boats, particularly during large events where the potential for chaos escalates.
He reiterated the importance of ensuring every passenger has a life jacket and has access to emergency equipment like flares.
Moreover, Smith stressed the necessity of familiarity with the water, pointing out the hazards that may be unseen until it’s too late.
Asserting the need for licensing akin to automobile and motorcycle regulation, Smith contended that boating safety certificates should be a prerequisite for operating boats.
Marlon Harvey, commodore of Jackson Park Yacht Club, articulated the hazards pertaining to Lake Michigan, often compared to ocean waters due to their unpredictability and changing conditions that necessitate specialized navigation skills.
He noted that out of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan experiences the highest rates of boating-related fatalities annually.
Statistics reveal concerning trends: as of Monday, 13 out of 23 reported drownings in the Great Lakes this year occurred in Lake Michigan.
Even amid the chaos, Harvey believes that the primary responsibility for safety lies with the boat captain, who must possess a sound understanding of their vessel and boating conditions.
He shared a personal experience from the weekend, witnessing a partygoer fall from a docked boat, underscoring the lack of immediate action from bystanders who struggled to provide assistance.
“They don’t even know what to do, so they’re trying to lift him out of the water…” Harvey recounted, advocating for the use of flotation devices instead of physically attempting rescues.
In the wake of a tumultuous weekend, the path forward requires strict attention to safety measures and accountability among boat operators to protect lives on Lake Michigan.
As the boating season continues, many hope that the lessons learned will lead to better practices aimed at ensuring the safety of everyone involved in such events.
image source from：blockclubchicago
