Boater Pledge Advocating for the Safe and Responsible Opening of the Chicago Harbors

On behalf of Come Sailing, Inc., owner Capt. Michael Blanchard has signed and is committed to the Boater Pledge Advocating for the Safe and Responsible Opening of the Chicago Harbors.  The pledge reads as follows:

​I hereby affirm that I am a boater who is advocating for the safe and responsible opening of the Chicago Harbors. I recognize that due to the current public health crisis, recreation must be done in a conscionable manner incorporating the best current public health practices and policies. As a boater, I acknowledge that I have an enhanced social responsibility to enjoy the lakefront in a way that keeps my friends, family, and general public safe

I understand that my actions affect others, and I pledge to recreate responsibly under the following guidelines once the harbors are allowed to open:

1. I will adhere to maximum capacity limits per vessel that are assigned based on boat size and current social distancing best practices.
2. I will practice strict hygiene procedures on the dock and on my vessel that include cleaning all touch points on my vessel with disinfectant before and after use, and otherwise adhere to current IDPH guidelines.
3. I agree to not raft my boat to other boats on the water and understand it will not be permitted until deemed safe to do so.
4. I will follow strict social distancing requirements while on docks, maintaining a safe separation with other persons, wearing a face mask when I cannot maintain that safe distance.
5. I will not engage in social gatherings while on the docks that are inconsistent with current maximum gathering policies set by the city and state.
6. I will recreate in a safe and responsible manner at all times and observe current local, state, and federal public health policies while doing so.

I further recognize that failure to observe municipal policies once the Chicago Harbors open may result in forfeiture of vessel mooring permits and other consequences.

Boating is a safe recreational activity and I look forward to contributing to a responsible 2020 Chicago boating season.

Additional information about the pledge and the Chicago Harbors' COVID-19 response can be found on the Chicago Harbors website.