High Waves, Dangerous Rip Currents Create Hazardous Conditions At Evanston Beaches

EVANSTON, IL — Just as beaches were beginning to open back up for the summer, forecasters are warning that swimming in Lake Michigan can be dangerous this weekend.

The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement through Saturday afternoon due to waves of up to 6 feet tall. Rip currents also have the potential to increase drowning risk for swimmers, the weather service said.

"Swimming conditions will be life-threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers," forecasters said.

On Monday, a 17-year-old boy died after going swimming with his friends in Waukegan. Officials responded to a report of a drowning at around 5:30 p.m.

The boy, Gabriel Ramirez of Waukegan, had gone underwater in the harbor channel area and was rescued along the breakwall near the bottom. Ramirez was rushed to a nearby hospital after his rescue, where he later died, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.

Forecasters said all swimmers and boaters should avoid being on the water until the hazard passes. Exercise caution when venturing out onto piers, jetties, breakwallas and other shoreline structures.