Non-Motorized Water Sports Information and Safety Awareness
NON-MOTORIZED WATER SPORTS CAN BE ENJOYED ONLY AT DESIGNATED LOCATIONS AND TIMES AS DETERMINED BY THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT AND IDENTIFIED ON THIS WEBSITE. PARTICIPATION IN THESE ACTIVITIES AT LOCATIONS WHICH ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED MAY LEAD TO FINE AND/OR ARREST BY THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.
PLEASE NOTE: Motorized water sports are not allowed anywhere on the Chicago lakefront except as otherwise specifically designated.
The Chicago Park District cannot be liable for injuries sustained while surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailboarding, stand up paddling, kayaking, canoeing or participating in any other self- or wind-propelled board or paddle sports or other non-motorized water sport activities as these activities are considered dangerous under Illinois law. 745 ILCS 10/3 109. Participants assume all risks of the water sport or activity in which they are engaged. Drowning is the most obvious danger in Lake Michigan, so it is essential that anyone participating in any water sport on the Lake be a strong, fit, and confident swimmer. Besides drowning, there are many other hazards that swimmers, surfers, and all others face while at the beach.
Please download the following PDF documents for information on where and when the Chicago Park District allows certain types of non-motorized water sports:
| Title | Modified | Size | |
| Kiteboarding and Windsurfing Information and Safety Awareness | 06/12/09 | 159 KB |  |
| Lake Michigan Water Trail Access Information and Safety Awareness | 06/12/09 | 164 KB | |
| Surfing Information and Safety Awareness | 06/12/09 | 171 KB | |
last updated: Tuesday, June 23, 2009