Lifeguards search for missing swimmer off Evanston Beach

All swimming beaches in Evanston were closed Monday afternoon after a person went missing off Greenwood Beach, police said.

June 3, 2024, 4:50 p.m. CDT | Update June 3, 2024, 5:05 p.m. CDT

EVANSTON, Ill. — Evanston Public Safety personnel were called to Lake Michigan Monday afternoon after a swimmer ended up in the water.

Dispatchers received a call about a person lost in the lake off Greenwood Beach around 3:15 p.m. and marine rescuers responded to the scene.

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Authorities closed all swimming beaches during the investigation, with a heavy police presence spotted at several beaches and the Church Street boat ramp being used as a staging area for rescue equipment.

Police said they did not know the identity of the missing swimmer nor did they have a good description, but the initial report indicated a swimmer had sunk and not resurfaced.

“There are currently several marine units, rescue divers and a [Chicago Police Department] a helicopter searching the waters,” Evanston police announced around 5 p.m.

Five people have died in Lake Michigan, including one in the northern suburbs, in the past two months. Another was pulled from the water in critical condition, according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project.

This is a developing story, more information will be added as it is received.