by Chicago, IL – Swimmers and boaters are being strongly urged to avoid the water along Chicago’s lakefront and southern Lake Michigan beaches through Friday evening, as life-threatening currents and hazardous waves are expected to create extremely dangerous conditions.
Dangerous Lake Conditions Through Friday
The National Weather Service Chicago has issued a Beach Hazards Statement beginning Wednesday afternoon and lasting through Friday, July 31, warning that high waves and strong, erratic currents will make conditions especially perilous. These hazards will impact popular beach destinations from Chicago’s Oak Street and North Avenue Beaches all the way south to the Indiana Dunes.
Even strong swimmers may find themselves caught in rip currents or overwhelmed by turbulent surf. Less confident swimmers and children face even greater risk, prompting urgent warnings from local authorities.
Beaches affected include:
- Oak Street Beach
- North Avenue Beach
- 31st Street, 57th Street, and other city beaches
- Beaches extending into northwest Indiana, including the Indiana Dunes
Rip currents, rough surf, and limited water visibility could also cause dangerous navigation conditions for boaters, increasing the chance of capsizing or grounding.
Residents and visitors are being advised to:
- Avoid entering the water entirely
- Respect beach closure signs and warnings
- Stay off piers and breakwalls, which are especially dangerous during high surf
- Keep children and pets away from the shoreline
- Monitor beach conditions via official city and weather service updates
This warning represents one of the most severe summer lakefront advisories in recent years, with conditions reminiscent of the hazardous waves and beach closures.
Officials will continue to monitor weather patterns and may extend or update the advisory if needed. The Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through at least Friday evening.
Residents are urged to stay informed and avoid unnecessary risks by keeping out of the water during this dangerous period.
