Man dies during attempted water rescue

CHICAGO, IL – First responders faced a demanding day across Chicago and its suburbs, tackling over a dozen water rescues and drownings amid challenging conditions. Tragedy struck at Navy Pier, where a man died following a water rescue. Two others are currently hospitalized after separate incidents, and another individual remains missing in Lake Michigan.

Rescue teams were seen at 63rd Street Beach, urgently searching for a man who reportedly fell off a boat near Lakeshore Drive. The Chicago Fire Department confirmed his disappearance in an area known as the Playpen. Meanwhile, another man was rushed to Northwestern Hospital in serious condition after sustaining a foot injury.

The windy conditions played a significant role in these incidents, according to safety advocates. Dave Benjamin from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project emphasized the dangers posed by strong offshore winds, which impact currents and can quickly carry floating objects—and people—far from shore.

In the northern suburbs, fire departments in Winthrop Harbor and Zion also responded to water emergencies, but they face limitations due to insufficient resources. Rocks placed by the state to break waves and combat erosion have become a hazardous attraction for swimmers. Just recently, a 20-year-old man drowned in the area.

These break walls are believed to create dangerous rip currents, complicating rescue efforts. Benjamin highlighted the swift and silent nature of drowning, urging families visiting beaches to remain vigilant and attentive to those around them.

Safety advocates remind parents to closely monitor their children, even if they are wearing life jackets, as strong winds can render them ineffective if not properly fitted.