Amid the excitement surrounding Chicago’s Black Yacht Weekend, a tragic incident cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of Black culture and community on Lake Michigan.
The event, which coincided with Juneteenth, was touted as the largest gathering of Black boat enthusiasts in the country and represented a significant moment for a community historically overshadowed by more affluent boating demographics.
However, the festivities took a somber turn following the drowning of a 27-year-old woman in the Playpen, a popular anchorage area just north of Navy Pier.
Organizers of the event quickly distanced themselves from the tragedy, issuing a statement expressing sympathy while asserting that the incident was not linked to the Black Yacht Weekend event area.
Yet, reports from seasoned boaters revealed troubling issues during the weekend, including overloaded vessels and unsafe behaviors, prompting concerns about the welfare of the attendees.
Aven Deese, a longtime boater, educator, and summer fishing instructor, shared his first-hand experiences from the event, emphasizing the importance of safety on the water.
“A boat is not a nightclub,” Deese cautioned, reflecting on the reckless actions he witnessed in the Playpen.
He noted the prevalence of intoxicated participants and unlicensed charters, which posed significant risks.
“People have the idea that, ‘We’re going to get on this boat, we’re going to get really drunk and have a great time,’” he recounted.
This mindset, Deese warned, can quickly turn dangerous in a body of water that demands respect.
“You are stepping onto a body of water that can take you really quickly… You can lose your life, as we saw that weekend,” he stated.
Deese further explained that many newcomers underestimate Lake Michigan’s potential hazards, likening it to a “small ocean” rather than a typical lake.
He emphasized that conditions such as cold temperatures, strong currents, and substantial depths can catch even experienced swimmers off guard.
“At the end of the day, you’re dealing with a body of water that is, for lack of a better term, a small ocean. You need to respect it as such, because if you go into that water—between the cold and the currents—you are going to be fighting for your life. Usually, you don’t win,” he cautioned.
Deese also pointed out the financial realities of boating, highlighting how social media often glamorizes the lifestyle without adequately conveying the associated costs.
“You can get a 30-, 40-, sometimes 50-foot boat for less than the price of a brand-new Honda Civic,” he noted, stressing that docking fees alone can soar to $7,000 per summer, with additional expenses accumulating for winter storage and maintenance.
Furthermore, he indicated a significant gap in the training and licensing of many recreational boaters.
The Coast Guard offers an eight-week course for proper training, but Deese warned that many weekend operators skip such requirements, further endangering their passengers.
“A lot of those guys don’t know how to say no,” he remarked, alluding to the problem of overcrowding, which was rampant during the festival.
A 25-foot boat, for example, is designed to carry a maximum of 10 people in safe conditions—yet Deese observed boats crowded with 15 or more attendees, creating precarious situations.
The incident has drawn broader attention to the cultural dynamics on Lake Michigan, particularly as the Playpen has historically been a hotspot for affluent white boaters.
Deese expressed concerns that the growing visibility of Black boating crews may exacerbate existing stereotypes, especially in light of incidents that occur in the water.
“We have a lot of bad actors who are not doing what they’re supposed to do… When these events happen, the majority group says, ‘Welp, there they go again,’” he lamented.
However, he also emphasized that safety concerns are not new to the Playpen, citing a history of mishaps irrespective of the demographic of those involved.
Following the events of Black Yacht Weekend, Deese anticipates increased scrutiny and inspections from the Coast Guard at Chicago’s predominantly Black harbors.
“I welcome those inspections if they save lives and preserve a pastime my father introduced me to when I was eight years old,” he declared.
Deese stressed the importance of safety going forward, offering guidance for prospective passengers and charter organizers.
He urged individuals to book only legal charters, ensuring that captains are properly licensed and qualified.
“If a captain dodges safety questions, don’t get on that boat,” he advised.
Additionally, Deese suggested that boating with known acquaintances, rather than strangers, can foster a safer environment.
Respecting weather conditions and wearing life jackets were also highlighted as essential practices for anyone venturing onto the water.
“For those unsure, larger tour boats along the river and Navy Pier offer a proper boating experience on the lake, minus the risk,” he recommended.
As the Black boating community continues to assert its presence on Lake Michigan, Deese believes that education and awareness will be crucial in promoting safety.
Understanding the serious nature of boating can help protect lives while allowing everyone to enjoy the freedoms of the water.
Though the community is determined to remain active on the lake, Deese’s final take-home message is clear: “You want to enjoy it. But you have to understand… You need to protect yourself at all times.”
image source from：chicagodefender
