Man Trapped At Beach Breakwall In Evanston Rescued

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston first responders rescued a man trapped against the breakwall at Lighthouse Beach Sunday afternoon, according to the Evanston Fire Department.

Water rescue members first reached the victim at 4:30 p.m. and stabilized the situation until Marine 21 and Evanston Fire Rescue watercraft arrived.

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The victim and rescuers were then brought aboard Marine 21 by Evanston Fire and Police rescuers and taken to the Church St Boat Ramp for medical evaluation. The man refused ambulance transportation to an emergency room.

Two Evanston Fire Department members were injured during the rescue and were transported to Evanston Hospital, where they received treatment for minor injuries, authorities said.

At the time of the incident, Lighthouse Beach was closed for swimming, with signage posted that stated swimming was not allowed. Swimming is only allowed at Evanston beaches when they are staffed by Evanston Fire Department lifeguards.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement on Sunday, warning the public about dangerous currents in Lake Michigan. Waves 3 to 6 feet tall and rip currents created life-threatening conditions for swimmers, the weather service said.

Evanston water rescue incidents are assisted by the Wilmette and Winnetka Fire Departments through a joint water rescue agreement among the three communities. That agreement includes Fireboat 2681, which is docked at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Wilmette.

Beachgoers were urged to check the Evanston Beach Status & Closings website, along with signs and flags posted at Evanston beaches, to determine whether swimming is allowed.