Rip Currents Make for Dangerous Swim Conditions Today at Lake Michigan Beaches

Everyone should avoid swimming at beaches along Lake Michigan in Illinois and southwest Indiana today, as dangerous rip currents could cause “life-threatening situations,” weather officials said Wednesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous beach statement for Lake and Cook counties in Illinois through 3 a.m. on Tuesday. A hazardous beach statement has also been issued for several counties along Lake Michigan in Indiana. 

Wave heights of 3 to 6 feet and strong rip currents are expected at the beaches along Lake Michigan in Illinois today. Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars and can sweep swimmers into deeper water. Exposed beaches are most likely to experience the most significant wave and current impacts, according to the National Weather Service.

One Chicago beach, Fargo Beach, has a swim ban in place due to hazardous surf. Foster Beach has a swim advisory in place due to rough surf. You can check Chicago Park District website for updates.

More via the National Weather Service

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