Brighten Obstructions Avoid Tragedy
HOW BOATING ORGANIZATIONS WORK TO IMPROVE SAFETY
AND ENJOYMENT FOR YOU ON THE LAKEFRONT
For as long as the
Chicago Breakwalls have been in place there has been injuries, damage to
property and loss of life caused by the inability to distinguish the breakwalls
at night while on the water. Though the breakwalls serve to protect property
and save life from storms, the increased use of the lakefront has drastically
changed with the times.
Several years ago the
Friends of the Marine Community worked with a local lighting contractor’s
sales person to run a test in the Belmont Harbor breakwall entrance finger
with the approval of Westrec and the Chicago Park District. It was the first attempt to light the breakwalls. Our goal was not to confuse navigation lights with
this breakwall lighting. Our approach was to be more decorative with the
lights on the breakwalls. We thought it would
enhance the view from the shoreline, create an ambiance for the boating community
and the tourist abroad the commercial boats from Navy Pier and the river
would all find it appealing.
We used Fiber Optics with a Laser, which was never done before, and the outcome was an overwhelming success, but so was the cost. With the untimely death of the person who we were working with and the immense cost due to newly developed technology the project came to a halt.
The Chicago Yachting
Association, realizing the importance for safety on the lakefront, took up
this challenge. Fred Poppe, Past Commodore of
the CYA spearheaded the newly revived Chicago Breakwall Lighting Project. He took the time to research a light that, though
more commercial, will achieve the same outcome, the saving of life and help
prevent injury. This solar powered, blue light meets the USCG requirements
at a cost that is affordable. He has also looked
into grants for possible funding.
Fred than rallied all
the important powers to be to reside on his committee; the United States
Coast Guard, Marine Police, Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard Auxiliary,
the lighting manufacture, the electrical contractor for the installation
and FOMC were all to participate in his findings and hard efforts. A meeting was called and a presentation was made
on the new light. All the committee members were in attendance, as well as
other interested parties, like the press and Alderman Schulter, were there. They all had a voice and impact on what they had
come to see and discuss, the positives and faults of this newly introduced
light from Canada. The evaluation meeting brought
Fred to the next step.
He proceeded to setup
a test of these rugged, blue solar powered lights on the actual breakwalls
where they would be used. All those on the committee
were in attendance. From every vantagepoint we
were stationed on the water, as the Contractor and Fred maneuvered the lights
to test various perspectives and lighting configurations.
Height of the lights from the top of the breakwall, distance between
the lights and the style of light, from steady on, to various flashing modes,
were tried. The results and conclusions
were then collected at a meeting at the Marine Police Unit Headquarters immediately
following the demonstration. All involved were
present to offer their opinions and suggestions. Fred
collected these suggestions and disseminated them into a final draft for
review by the members of the Committee.
Capt. Sonny
Lisowski
President,
Friends
of the Marine Community
Results of the Breakwall Lighting
Test
By Fred Poppe