The City of Evanston is known for its many public beaches, which were enjoyed by more than 160,000 visitors last year. However, as popular as these beaches are, they can also be dangerous. In the past two months, there have been two separate drowning deaths at Evanston’s Lighthouse Beach alone.
It is important to note that these drownings occurred when the beach was closed and no lifeguards were on duty, yet many people choose to swim anyway. According to Evanston lifeguard and junior Lauren Milman, swimming when the beach is closed is never a good idea.
“The best way to stay safe at the beach during the off season is to stay out of the water or stay where you can touch the bottom with ease,” said Milman. “It is never a good idea to swim at the beach without a lifeguard there, especially later at night if you are not a strong swimmer.”
Beyond promoting compliance with beach rules, the city’s Communications and Engagement Coordinator Jessica Mayo highlights additional safety measures recently implemented: installing an extra life ring at Lighthouse Beach, the continuation of the beach flag warning system during swimming season, improved safety signage and regular citywide safety communications throughout the season.
Mayo also explained that people who swim outside of the summer season–from Memorial Day through Labor Day–or on Red Flag days could be fined up to $500. However, 7th Ward Councilmember Parielle Davis stated that she does not believe possible fines or other punitive measures are an effective deterrent, especially for people from outside the area who may not be aware of the rules.
Such was the case for the most recent fatality at Lighthouse beach in September, where two men from Hanover Park went swimming and found themselves in distress. Juniors Chiara Canay and Josie Greer happened to be at the beach that evening with friends and jumped in to assist. The two students managed to save one of the men, but the other man drowned.
Evanston Fire Department (EFD) Chief of Special Operations Matt Smith provided steps to follow if you ever see a person in the water in distress.
“If you are able to reach the person from a safe location, do so. Otherwise, throw them one of the life rings which are available at every beach,” said Smith. “Be sure you or someone with you maintains visual observation of the person, and call 911 as soon as possible.”
Smith went on to emphasize that no one, regardless of their swimming ability, should ever swim out past where they can easily stand to assist a person in distress. The EFD has responded to numerous rescues, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to community safety.
“The EFD lifeguards and water rescue personnel have collaborated to save approximately nine lives in Evanston. In addition, EFD water rescue personnel have assisted in several other rescues along the North Shore in the last two years,” said Smith.
While Evanston’s beaches remain a popular destination for much of the year, they can pose an extreme risk to those who do not follow the rules.
“No matter how good of a swimmer you are or how calm the water may look, if the water is closed, it is closed for a reason,” Milman stated. “Anyone can have a medical emergency or get unknowingly caught in a rip current and end up in trouble, so just follow the rules to keep yourself and others on the beach safe.”
