CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Park District is responding to calls for life rings along the lakefront, but some people aren’t going to like the conditions coming with them.
The Chicago Park District announced Friday plans to install life preserver equipment at select waterfront locations, as part of a pilot program to help mitigate risks of water related accidents and drownings. In addition to life preserver equipment, the Park District will also install increased signage along the lakefront and conduct outreach with community groups to raise public awareness and enforce beach safety. Equipment will be installed prior to the 2022 beach season.
“The Chicago Park District is committed to taking the necessary steps to protect residents and visitors. Chicago’s lakefront is among our city’s most treasured assets however it is imperative that it is enjoyed safely and responsibly,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Michael Kelly, in a statement. “Although the life rings will offer an added layer of protection, we urge people to follow the rules that have been in place season after season.”
The Park District’s General Counsel Tim King said during a board meeting the installation of life preservers will come with new restrictions.
"At certain locations, we are restricting access entirely with barriers at some higher-risk areas. This may include piers. We would be declaring those areas completely off limits to the general public. Such areas as determined by the Park District will only be accessed by authorized personnel," he said.
During a discussion of life rings this past spring, King said the best thing to do is nothing from a liability standpoint.
The decision follows years of demands that life rings be installed. And more recently, criticism, after the Park District removed rings installed by Rogers Park residents after a man drowned.
This will be a pilot program along the lakefront. The number of rings installed at each location will be determined by the size and configuration of the beach.
Related
