Safety Zone: Dyeing Chicago River

On March 14, 2026, the Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone on the Main Branch, North Branch, and South Branch of the Chicago River in Chicago, IL, to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dyeing of the River event. The safety zone will encompass the Chicago River between the N. Columbus Drive Bridge on the Main Branch continuing up to the W. Kinzie Street Bridge on North Branch and down to the W. Lake Street Bridge on the South Branch (see image attached). The safety zone will be in effect from 9:30 am until 11:30 am. During the enforcement period, entry into, transiting, or anchoring within the safety zone is prohibited for all vessels and paddle-craft, not being used for the dyeing of the river event, unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Lake Michigan or their designated representative.