Overview

• The National Weather Service posted a high swim risk for Lake Michigan with life‑threatening currents and restricted swimming at guarded beaches.
• Evanston crews were dispatched around 8:50 p.m. after reports of a missing swimmer near the north side of the break wall.
• Water rescue teams, drones, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and neighboring departments from Wilmette and Winnetka joined the operation.
• The teen was located about 30 yards off the break wall around 9:27 p.m., received CPR and advanced life support on the beach, and was taken to a hospital.
• Officials described three‑ to five‑foot waves and warned that the group was swimming after dark with no lights or lifeguards, urging the public to follow beach flag warnings.