8-Foot Waves, Dangerous Currents Will Impact Evanston Beaches

EVANSTON, IL — Beach goers looking to get in a late-summer swim in Evanston were cautioned against getting too close to the water, as life-threatening swimming conditions and 8-foot-tall waves were expected through the end of the week.

The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement until Friday afternoon and may extend it depending on how fast waves subside. Waves are expected to crest in the 5 to 8 foot range and will make it dangerous to swim, 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."

According to the National Weather Service, rip currents can occur anywhere on the Great Lakes given the right surf conditions. Rip currents are not always obvious by looking at the water and can pull people away from shore, catching even the strongest swimmers off guard.

Last week, a 17-year-old boy who was swimming late at night in Evanston died after going underwater and not resurfacing. The boy was reported missing after 8 p.m., prompting a multi-agency search that utilized drones and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

The boy was located over an hour later, 30 yards off the break wall, and was later confirmed to have died.

Another swimmer was reported missing in Highland Park last weekend and was never found, according to authorities.