On a long holiday weekend, it’s no surprise to see dozens of people on the beaches of Chicago and northwest Indiana, and dozens of boats anchored offshore.
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.
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.
