Safety Zone; Lake Michigan, Chicago, IL

What it does

• •Establishes a temporary safety zone in Monroe Harbor, Lake Michigan, Chicago, covering a defined rectangular area bounded by specific geographic coordinates.
• •Prohibits all vessel entry, transit, and anchoring in the safety zone without explicit authorization from the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan or a designated representative.
• •Makes the safety zone effective for 4.5 hours on August 23, 2026, from 6 a.m. through 10:30 a.m.

Why it matters

• •The rule protects personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from hazards created by the Chicago Triathlon swim event occurring in Monroe Harbor on that date.
• •The Coast Guard issued this as a temporary final rule without prior notice and comment because final event details were received only July 23, 2026, making advance notice impracticable.

Who is affected

• •Vessel operators and persons seeking to enter, transit, or anchor in the designated Monroe Harbor safety zone on August 23, 2026.
• •Chicago Triathlon participants and organizers whose swim event necessitates the safety zone.

What happens next

The rule becomes effective upon publication in the Federal Register and remains in effect only during the specified 4.5-hour window on August 23, 2026.