Lake Michigan is seeing dangerous swimming conditions, with waves building up to six feet and life-threatening rip currents expected through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a high swim risk for all southern Lake Michigan beaches, urging swimmers to stay out of the water for their safety.
Strong northerly winds are driving the higher waves, which are creating hazardous conditions not only for swimmers but also for boaters. The high swim risk warning extends from Waukegan and Evanston down through Chicago, and across the Indiana shoreline from Gary to New Buffalo.
Authorities are emphasizing that even experienced swimmers can be quickly overpowered by rip currents, which pose a significant danger. Beachgoers are also warned to stay off piers and breakwalls, as waves can easily sweep people into open water. Small craft operations are also at risk, with hazardous boating conditions expected to make such activities dangerous.
Residents and visitors are urged to enjoy the shoreline from a safe distance and to pay close attention to all posted warnings and closures. Conditions are expected to remain dangerous until Thursday morning, but safety should improve later in the day as winds ease.
Those in or near the southern Lake Michigan shoreline should exercise caution, avoid the water, and heed all safety warnings until conditions improve later this week.
