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
Ukrainian refugee and military boyfriend shot dead in bed allegedly by jealous ex

Tragic Double Homicide: Ukrainian Refugee and Partner Allegedly Killed by Ex in Jealous Rage

Authorities report that a Ukrainian refugee and her soldier partner were tragically…
Shipwreck hunter finds luxury steamer that sank in Lake Michigan in 1872

Historic Luxury Steamer Discovered in Lake Michigan After 1872 Sinking

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers announced on Friday that they have located…
Indebted DNC bought Kamala Harris donor list for $6.5M more than a year after the 2024 election

Why the DNC Invested $6.5M in Kamala Harris’s Donor List: A Strategic Move for Future Elections

WASHINGTON — The Democratic National Committee (DNC) invested $6.5 million to acquire…
Nancy Guthrie case: FBI prepares for 'parallel realities' while awaiting DNA results

FBI Anticipates Multiple Outcomes in Nancy Guthrie Case as DNA Analysis Continues

TUCSON, Ariz. — As the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie…
Trump vows feds won't pay for Gateway tunnel overruns, denies wanting to rename Penn Station after himself

Trump Declares Federal Funds Won’t Cover Extra Costs for Gateway Tunnel, Dismisses Penn Station Renaming Rumors

WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Trump declared that he would not allow…
Arizona Sheriff Chris Nanos leading search for Nancy Guthrie, rules out theory her disappearance was burglary gone bad

Arizona Sheriff Dismisses Burglary Theory in Mysterious Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

The sheriff of Arizona, spearheading the effort to locate the missing Nancy…
Heartless nut trashes NYC's Uncle Jack's on Valentine's Day

Outrage as NYC’s Beloved Uncle Jack’s Faces Unthinkable Valentine’s Day Vandalism

Perhaps he was in need of a hug. In the early hours…
Multiple youths arrested during chaotic caught-on-camera NYC mall brawl

Several Young Individuals Detained Following Turbulent NYC Mall Altercation Captured on Video

In a dramatic scene captured on video, a large group of boisterous…
Taiwan 'will not escalate, but will not yield' to Chinese intimidation, foreign minister warns

Taiwan Stands Firm Against Chinese Pressure: A Defiant Stance Without Escalation

EXCLUSIVE: Taiwan’s foreign minister has accused China of becoming a “troublemaker,” alleging…
Rhode Island hockey shooter ID'd as transgender father Robert Dorgan

Unveiling the Truth: Rhode Island Hockey Shooter Identified as Transgender Parent Robert Dorgan

Authorities have identified the shooter responsible for the tragic incident at a…
NYC Health Department staffer wished Israelis were wiped off Earth in vile resurfaced X post: report

NYC Health Department Employee’s Controversial Social Media Post About Israelis Sparks Outrage

A troubling social media post by a long-time New York City Health…
Los Angeles beaches could become national parks, NPS seeking input

National Park Status for Los Angeles Beaches? NPS Invites Public Opinion

The National Park Service (NPS) is inviting public feedback on a proposal…