The recent Black Yacht Weekend in Chicago, celebrated during the Juneteenth festivities, was marked by both enthusiasm and tragedy.
As a powerful demonstration of Black culture and a vibrant assertion of Chicago’s Black boating community, the event drew significant crowds to the shores of Lake Michigan.
However, troubling reports emerged, highlighting unsafe practices among boaters and, ultimately, the tragic drowning of a young woman in the Playpen area.
Aven Deese, a seasoned boater and educator, shared his eyewitness account, shedding light on the urgent need for safety reforms in the community.
“A boat is not a nightclub. It’s a boat,” Deese firmly stated, emphasizing the need for a focused mindset while on the water.
During the event, he observed a dangerously packed Playpen, filled with vessels that were often unlicensed charters, and a pervasive culture of excessive drinking.
He remarked on the sudden dangers that arise on the water when individuals prioritize partying over safety, warning that the deceptive calmness of Lake Michigan can quickly become lethal.
Deese highlighted the lake’s unforgiving nature, comparing it to a “small ocean” that commands respect.
Factors such as powerful currents, cold water temperatures, and significant depths can pose life-threatening challenges, particularly for those who are unprepared.
“At the end of the day, you’re dealing with a body of water that can take you quickly—far quicker than you might think,” Deese warned.
Another significant issue affecting the Black boating community is the misconception about the affordability of owning a boat.
While it may appear that boat ownership is within reach due to lower-priced listings online, the reality often involves substantial long-term costs, such as maintenance, docking, and fuel expenses.
Deese noted that many novice boaters might overlook critical training requirements, neglecting to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications that ensure the safe operation of their vessels.
The pressure to satisfy customers can lead captains to make reckless decisions, such as continuing outings in unsafe weather conditions.
Deese remarked, “No one wants to be the guy that constantly cancels,” leading some to risk the safety of passengers in pursuit of favorable reviews.
A disturbing report from the weekend indicated widespread overloading of boats, with many vessels carrying far more passengers than they were designed to hold.
“A 25-foot boat should only fit eight or ten people, yet I saw boats with fifteen or more,” Deese recounted.
This negligence not only jeopardizes the safety of those on board but also puts their lives in serious danger.
Deese expressed concern about how incidents involving Black boaters can perpetuate negative stereotypes in predominantly white boating spaces.
Historically, the Playpen has been a hub for affluent white men, leading to heightened scrutiny and assumptions about Black crews in the area.
He argued that unsafe incidents on the water are not exclusive to any one group and have been prevalent long before the rise of Black attendees at events like Black Yacht Weekend.
Deese predicts that local and state authorities will respond to the recent mishaps by increasing policing and inspections, particularly in harbors frequented by the Black boating community.
For future boaters, Deese offered critical safety advice to avoid tragedy.
He stressed the importance of booking legitimate charters, highlighting the need to verify any charter’s credentials before boarding.
Understanding one’s fellow passengers is crucial; Deese advised against going out with strangers, emphasizing the significance of compatibility in boating experiences.
Additionally, he underscored the need to respect the weather, as seemingly perfect skies can hide treacherous conditions on the water.
Perhaps most importantly, Deese urged everyone to wear life jackets, regardless of their swimming ability.
As he noted, the lake’s cold temperatures and powerful currents could easily overwhelm even the strongest swimmers.
For those who may be unsure about venturing onto the lake, he suggested opting for larger tour boats that offer a safer experience while still enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Looking ahead, Deese anticipates an increase in random inspections by the Coast Guard throughout the summer season.
While he welcomes these added safety measures, he emphasized that the essence of Chicago’s Black boating community remains vibrant and essential.
“We want to enjoy our time on the lake, but we must do so with a deep understanding of the inherent risks and how to protect ourselves,” Deese asserted.
The incident at Black Yacht Weekend serves as a pivotal moment for the community to reflect on safety practices and advocate for responsible boating culture on Lake Michigan.
image source from：chicagodefender
