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
Netanyahu urges court to revoke Palestinians' Israeli citizenship after convictions for violent crimes

Netanyahu Calls for Citizenship Revocation: A Controversial Move Against Convicted Palestinians

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated a legal move to…
Night to Shine brings joy and royal treatment to First Coast guests with special needs

Night to Shine Delivers Unforgettable Royal Experience for First Coast Guests with Special Needs

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, thousands gathered at Jacksonville’s Prime…
European nation votes to cap population at 10M in major immigration crackdown referendum

Historic Vote: European Nation Implements Landmark Population Cap in Bold Immigration Reform

Switzerland is gearing up for a pivotal vote this summer, as citizens…
Donald Trump deportation news: US spent $40M on roughly 300 deportations to nations other than their own, Democratic report says

Report Reveals US Allocated $40M for Deporting Approximately 300 Individuals to Non-Native Countries, Citing Democratic Sources

WASHINGTON — A report from the Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign…
AOC accuses Israel of genocide in Germany where Holocaust was launched, sparking outrage

AOC’s Genocide Accusations Against Israel Ignite Controversy in Germany, Holocaust’s Birthplace

AOC slammed over Israel ‘genocide’ comments Speaking at a town hall event…
This is the deepest Knicks team of the century. It should win the East

Knicks’ Depth Reaches Unprecedented Levels, Poised to Dominate Eastern Conference

The New York Knicks are gearing up for what could be their…
Suspect, 17, arrested in Bronx triple shooting that killed 16-year-old

Teen Arrested in Connection with Bronx Triple Shooting That Left 16-Year-Old Dead

On Saturday afternoon, police apprehended a teenager in connection with a triple…
ICIRR 2026: Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Summit launching state campaign against ICE, Border Patrol agenda

ICIRR 2026: Illinois Coalition Unveils Statewide Campaign to Counter ICE and Border Patrol Policies

A new campaign against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border…
First-time Olympian wins gold in women's biathlon sprint

Rookie Olympian Clinches Gold in Women’s Biathlon Sprint Event

The sprint event is the most rapid of all biathlon disciplines at…
Global protests call for Iran regime change in major cities worldwide after bloody crackdown

Worldwide Protests Demand Iranian Regime Change Following Brutal Crackdown

On Saturday, demonstrators opposing the Iranian regime took to the streets in…
Socialist NY Rep Crashes and Burns on Global Stage, Serves Up Kamala-Style Word Salad

New York Socialist Representative Faces Global Criticism Over Incoherent Speech

Traditionally, American politicians have adhered to an unspoken rule: refrain from criticizing…
Bolsonaro dynasty eyes comeback as Brazil’s socialist president faces challenge from jailed rival’s son

Bolsonaro Family Plans Return Amid Clash with Jailed Rival’s Son in Brazil’s Political Arena

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Eduardo Bolsonaro, whose father is the former Brazilian President…