CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - The start of the Memorial Day Weekend means the start of the beach season in Chicago.
The city’s 22 beaches are officially open for the season although today would not be a good day to go. The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement Friday, through 10 p.m. Lake Michigan will not be safe for swimming.
High wave action and dangerous currents are expected at Lake Michigan beaches through Cook County and north to Lake County. Dangerous rip currents and waves of up to 7 feet or even higher are possible.
The Park District is urging parents and others to think safety. If your kids don’t know how to swim, don’t know what to do in currents, educate them, and yourself. They claim this is where people get into trouble. The Park District advises even strong swimmers to not fight the current, instead let it take you until you can swim into shore. They remind you that you should only swim where lifeguards are present.
The Park District also wants to beachgoers to know the flag system:
• Green: Swimming is permitted.
• Yellow: Swimming is permitted, but with caution.
• Red: No swimming allowed.
After the Park District resisted their presence for years for liability reasons, life rings will be on the lakefront this year. Pressure mounted for their placement following a drowning in Rogers Park.
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