Woman, teen daughter hospitalized after Lake Michigan water rescue at Illinois State Beach Park, fire officials say
Share this @internewscast.com

BEACH PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A mother was seriously injured and her teenage daughter was taken to the hospital following a water rescue at Illinois State Beach Park on Thursday.

This particular area of the beach, run by the state, is publicly accessible but isn’t supervised by lifeguards. Lake County rescuers mentioned that they are increasingly overstretched as they try to assist swimmers who are already in distress.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Once more, on Thursday afternoon, rescuers were called to the beach just south of the Wisconsin state line to help a swimmer struggling on a hot summer day.

The water distress incident happened around 4:15 p.m. along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Beach Park Fire Protection District said.

A woman in her 30s was submerged for approximately five minutes, according to fire officials. Her 14-year-old daughter managed to stay above water but ingested a significant amount of water.

The mother and daughter were rescued from the water by “heroic bystanders” who started CPR on the woman, officials said.

The woman was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Her daughter was also taken to a hospital to be evaluated.

“It looked like there were people around screaming,” witness Jesus Fuentes said.

Witnesses, including Fuentes and his friends, watched from a distance as Lake County deputies and rescuers pulled the mother and daughter from the water. This is the same location where a boy of similar age drowned just two weeks prior.

Speaking at a city council meeting Tuesday night, Zion’s Fire Chief said local rescuers have collectively begged for state money.

Zion Fire Department Chief Justin Stried commented, “The IDNR has made it clear that there is no budget or current plans to offer support to individual municipalities or fire districts for emergency response boats or extra lakefront personnel during the swimming season.”

Lake Michigan experts with the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project said the seemingly serene stretch of shoreline has grown increasingly dangerous and deadly, especially at jagged break wall formations.

“Unfortunately, the rocks that they’ve dumped in the water has actually created shoreline instability, so it has completely reconfigured the beach,” said Dave Benjamin, co-founder of the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project.

Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project says 23 people have drowned so far this year in Lake Michigan.

No further information about Thursday’s water rescue was immediately available.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Cuomo and Sliwa aim to blunt Mamdani's momentum in first NYC mayoral debate

Cuomo and Sliwa Take on Mamdani in High-Stakes NYC Mayoral Debate Showdown

NEW YORK (AP) — Anticipation builds as New York City prepares for…
Palatka commission debates future of city manager amid several conduct allegations

Palatka City Manager’s Role Under Scrutiny Amid Multiple Conduct Allegations

The Palatka Commission recently addressed a series of allegations against City Manager…
Video shows gunman ‘lying in wait’ to ambush businessman outside estate as police hunt shooter: prosecutor

Prosecutor Highlights Chilling Footage of Gunman Ambushing Businessman Outside Estate as Police Intensify Search for Suspect

Macomb County, Michigan, is currently on high alert as authorities intensify their…
Blue city repeat offender accused of metal pipe rampage just days after release

Rampage in the Blue City: Repeat Offender Strikes Again with Metal Pipe Fury

A New York City man has found himself back in custody following…
Christian student exposes pricey college textbook calling her a 'white supremacist'

Christian Student Criticizes Expensive College Textbook for Labeling Her as a ‘White Supremacist

A student from the University of North Georgia has raised concerns after…
Turkey deports peaceful Christians under guise of ‘national security’ claims watchdog

Turkey’s Controversial Crackdown: Peaceful Christians Deported Amid Dubious ‘National Security’ Claims

Turkey is facing serious allegations of deporting hundreds of peaceful Christians under…
Kevin Federline details Britney Spears' 'bizarre' behavior moments before shaving head

Kevin Federline Reveals Unseen Side of Britney Spears Before Her Iconic Head-Shaving Moment

Kevin Federline has revealed the chaotic events that took place just before…
Colorado driver walks away from dangerous 300-foot highway crash with minor injuries: 'A miracle'

Colorado Miracle: Driver Survives 300-Foot Plunge Off Highway with Only Minor Injuries

A driver incredibly walked away with just minor injuries after a dramatic…
DOJ brings first Antifa-related terrorism charges in Texas ICE attack

Texas Attack: DOJ Files Landmark Terrorism Charges Linked to Antifa

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: A federal grand jury has formally charged two individuals…
Gov. JB Pritzker news: Governor calls meeting with retired military leaders, blames Trump for alleged militarization of Chicago

Governor JB Pritzker Engages Retired Military Leaders in Discussion on Chicago’s Militarization, Points to Trump’s Influence

In a significant move Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker convened with a group…
Federal Judge Sara Ellis orders ICE field director Russell Hott to testify, some agents to wear body cams in Chicago area

Judge Mandates ICE Director Testimony and Body Cam Use for Agents in Chicago Area

CHICAGO — A federal judge has summoned the Chicago ICE field director…
44,000 NordicTrack rowing machines recalled after reports of fires

Massive Recall: NordicTrack Rowing Machines Pulled from Market Due to Fire Hazard Concerns

A widespread recall has been announced for tens of thousands of NordicTrack…