'Life-Threatening' Swimming Conditions, High Waves, Currents Close Lake Michigan Beaches

CHICAGO — Officials urged the public to stay out of Lake Michigan in Illinois and Northwest Indiana to avoid life-threatening currents and hazardous boating conditions.

With expected waves between seven and 10 feet high, the National Weather Service issued a beach hazard statement from Tuesday morning through 3 p.m. Wednesday.

City and park district officials in Chicago and its northern suburbs have issued red flag warnings, indicating no lifeguards are on duty and no swimming is permitted.

"Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers," according to the statement from the NWS's Chicago office.

Weather officials also advised residents to not to venture out onto piers, jetties, breakwalls or other shoreline structures.

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Forecasts for Wednesday anticipate slightly lower waves of up to seven feet and mostly sunny weather, but the swim risk will remain high until the evening.

So far in 2024, at least 38 people have drowned in Lake Michigan, including 24 in July alone, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.