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
Truck hits parked van in Midtown Manhattan, pushing vehicle onto sidewalk and injuring 9

Midtown Manhattan Collision: Truck Crashes into Parked Van, Injures 9 as Vehicle Mounts Sidewalk

In a startling event on Monday, a truck collided with a parked…
Brazen Louvre robbery crew may have been hired by collector, prosecutor says

Prosecutor Suggests Collector Might Be Behind Daring Louvre Heist

In a bold heist reminiscent of a movie plot, the Louvre Museum…
Man who sent 'So I raped you' message sentenced to 2 to 4 years for 2013 campus assault

Man Sentenced to 2-4 Years in Prison for 2013 Campus Assault Following Disturbing Message

In a case that underscores the challenges faced by victims of campus…
Newborn found with umbilical cord attached in Penn Station, police hunt for parents

Abandoned Newborn Discovered in Penn Station: Police Seek Parents

The New York Police Department is actively searching for the parents of…
'Experienced' Alabama pilot, 2 daughters killed in plane crash in Montana wilderness

Tragic Plane Crash in Montana Wilderness Claims Lives of Veteran Alabama Pilot and His Two Daughters

A tragic plane crash in Montana claimed the lives of an Alabama…
Adam Beckerink, whose wife, Caitlin Tracey, died at his South Loop, Chicago high-rise, sentenced for domestic violence in Michigan

Chicago High-Rise Tragedy: Adam Beckerink Sentenced for Michigan Domestic Violence Following Wife’s Death

In Berrien County, Michigan, a significant development unfolded on Monday as Adam…
Demolition starts at White House East Wing to make way for Trump's ballroom

Historic Transformation: White House East Wing Undergoes Demolition for Trump’s Grand Ballroom Vision

Trump has announced plans for an expansive 90,000-square-foot ballroom, citing the East…
Shrapnel hit CHP vehicle during Marine Corps' Camp Pendleton live fire event with VP JD Vance in attendance, department says

CHP Vehicle Struck by Shrapnel During VP JD Vance’s Visit to Camp Pendleton Live Fire Exercise

In a dramatic turn of events at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, the…
US man arrested in Scotland and convicted of Utah rape gets at least 5 years in prison

Utah Rape Convict, Caught in Scotland, Receives Minimum 5-Year Sentence

In Salt Lake City, a Utah judge delivered a sentence on Monday…
Suspect in 2021 restaurant murder acquitted

2021 Restaurant Murder Case: Suspect Walks Free After Acquittal

Jacksonville authorities arrived at the scene of a shooting at the Hyatt…
The time is now to unleash Jaxson Dart on your fantasy football league

Now is the Moment to Introduce Jaxson Dart to Your Fantasy Football Lineup

The Denver Broncos’ thrilling comeback against the New York Giants on Sunday…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Former MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away After Motorcycle Tragedy

CARACAS (AP) — Jesús Montero, a Venezuelan native who once graced the…