Deadly swimming conditions expected for Labor Day weekend in Chicago

CHICAGO — Labor Day Weekend is here and it marks the last time of the year where swimming is permitted at Chicago beaches, but a beach hazard statement is in effect through most of the holiday weekend, and dangerous conditions have water safety advocates on edge after an already deadly summer.

A picture perfect day is already playing out along Lake Michigan beaches Saturday on Labor Day weekend.

But pictures can be deceiving.

The National Weather Service warned that swimming conditions could be life-threatening Sunday and Monday at beaches along the lake.

“It has the potential to be a very deadly labor day weekend, and on average labor day weekends have the potential to have deadly consequences across the great lakes,” said Dave Benjamin, co-founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project (GLSRP).

Benjamin said that the Beach Hazard statement for the popular beach weekend cements concerns for how dangerous the water conditions are set to be.

“Unfortunately for me, it turns into a high anxiety holiday weekend,” Benjamin said. “I’ve been looking forward to this weekend coming for the last six weeks because the incidents just keep piling on.”

The GLSRP tracks all drownings in the great lakes each year and provides safety and training for open water rescue.

Benjamin said this year, the number of drownings in Lake Michigan is already above average, and there’s still months to go.

“The record in lake Michigan is 56 drownings and we’re at 44 plus 4 critical,” Benjamin said. “So, that could be 48 real quick, we could surpass the 56 record.”

According to the NWS, wave heights could range from four to eight feet with life-threatening rip currents so, even if the water looks enticing, Benjamin said it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

“We recommend that if you’re going to go to the beach, that you’re swimming at a lifeguarded beach during lifeguarded hours and abiding by the rules of the beach,” Benjamin said. “If there are red flags flying, you should be staying out of the water.”

The NWS’s beach hazard statement runs through Monday evening.

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