The long Labor Day weekend will mark the end of a Chicago summer favorite as the city’s beach season officially ends, but the final day also comes with a warning.
According to the Chicago Park District, beach season on the city’s lakefront runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the September holiday marking the last day lifeguards will be on duty.
However, beachgoers and boaters might want to think twice this Labor Day.
According to a beach hazard statement issued by the National Weather Service, “life-threatening” waves and currents are expected at Lake Michigan beaches throughout the Chicago area through Monday evening.
“Planning to head to the lake today? Dangerous swimming conditions will persist at Lake Michigan beaches through tonight. It’s fun and games until someone gets swept away,” the NWS wrote on X Monday.
The NWS advises people to stay out of the water and avoid going onto docks, breaking into walls or other shoreline structures.
“It’s a very dangerous day to go into the water to wade or swim,” said Dave Benjamin, co-founder of the nonprofit Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. “It’s strongly advised not to go into the water at the beaches.”
Lifeguards at Ohio Street Beach on Sunday pulled everyone out of the water once conditions became too dangerous.
Benjamin said there were 77 drownings in the Great Lakes in 2024, and 57% of them occurred in Lake Michigan.
A guide to Chicago Park District beach conditions and flag warnings is available here.
For those looking to enjoy swimming into the colder months, the Park District said indoor pools will reopen starting Tuesday.
