Lake Warning in Illinois and Wisconsin: Stay Out of the Water, 38 Drownings in 2025

I recently traveled through Superior, WI and Duluth, MN on my way to vacation in the Boundary Waters. Of course, my family had to make a stop and dip our toes in Lake Superior before continuing our journey. It was serene, beautiful, and calm. Not like what officials are calling for today and into this weekend for the Great Lakes.

If you're planning a beach day in Chicago, Milwaukee, or anywhere along the Lake Michigan shoreline this week, here’s your heads-up: officials are urging locals and vacationers alike to stay out of the water due to dangerous conditions on the Great Lakes.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazard statements for stretches of the Illinois and Wisconsin coastline, citing life-threatening waves and strong currents. It’s not just a light warning—it’s a serious safety alert during one of the busiest summer vacation weeks.

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What’s Going On?

Strong northeast winds have kicked up waves reaching 4 to 7 feet in parts of Lake Michigan, especially near Chicago, Evanston, Waukegan, and Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee. Along with the high waves, rip currents and longshore currents are churning under the surface. This is making it difficult even for strong swimmers to stay safe, let alone return to shore.

In Wisconsin, the NWS is warning of “life-threatening waves of 3 to 5 feet and dangerous currents.” In Illinois, waves could reach up to 6 feet, especially along popular beaches like those in Chicago and North Shore suburbs.

Many people from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin enjoy day trips to Lake Michigan for some summer beach fun. But these rough water conditions are making swimming and water sports risky. Even deadly.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project has already reported 38 drownings this year in the region, with most occurring in Lake Michigan. The combination of deceptively strong currents and sudden drop-offs makes even calm-looking water a real threat.

What You Should Do

If you’re heading to the beach, enjoy the sand, but stay on shore. Authorities also urge you to stay off piers, breakwalls, and jetties, where waves can unexpectedly sweep people into the water. Last time my wife and I hit the Indiana Dunes (see below), the waves were huge and the beach was closed.

READ MORE: The Closest National Park to Eastern Iowa Hosts the ‘3 Dune Challenge’

Beach hazard statements remain in effect through Thursday and in some areas until Friday morning. Be sure to check local weather alerts before heading out, especially if you're visiting beachfronts near Chicago or Milwaukee. Lake Michigan and Superior are no joke this week, and safety comes first.