7-Foot, Hazardous Waves Will Impact Evanston Beaches, Forecasters Warn

EVANSTON, IL — Beachgoers in Evanston were cautioned against getting too close to the water as life-threatening swimming conditions and 7-foot-tall waves were expected Monday.

The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement until 7 p.m. tonight and may extend it depending on how fast waves subside. Northerly winds gusting into the 25 mph range will maintain waves in the 4 to 7 foot range will make it dangerous to swim at the beach, the weather service said.

"Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers," the National Weather Service said. "Remain out of the water to avoid dangerous swimming conditions and do not venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls, or other shoreline structures."

See related: Daily Storm Chances, High Swim Risk At Beaches: IL Weather

Over the weekend, a father and son from Illinois drowned in Lake Michigan in Porter County, Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. National Park Rangers responded to an active water rescue at 4:20 p.m. on Saturday to find the two men.

The two men, identified as David Meneou, 65, of Joliet; and his son, Jameson Meneou, 20, of Lockport, had been removed from the water by a Good Samaritan. The two men were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.

Preliminary investigation results revealed both men were in the water when Jameson went into deep water and began to struggle. David attempted to rescue his son, but also began to struggle in the deep water.

Forecasters said all swimmers and boaters should avoid being on the water until the hazard passes.

"Waves along southern Lake Michigan beaches will remain dangerous to swimmers and boaters for much of the day. Swimmers have drowned in similar conditions in the past. Stay dry when waves are high," the weather service said.