The Evanston Fire Department concluded a recovery search and rescue operation this afternoon for a missing swimmer off of Lighthouse Beach identified as a 41-year-old man. The operation started yesterday at about 4 p.m., when EFD responded to a distress call at the beach.
Four swimmers were struggling in the water, according to an EFD news release. It stated that a community member rescued three of the swimmers — one adult female and two female teenagers, but the fourth, remains missing.
One of the teenagers was transported to a hospital in the area where she was treated and released.
EFD stated they made the difficult decision to end the recovery efforts “after exhausting all areas of search utilizing predictive modeling and diver experience,” a Monday news release stated.
It also stated that lifeguards and EFD will resume surface and shoreline searches tomorrow.
On Sunday shortly after the call, the Evanston Police Department also sent personnel to Lighthouse Beach, according to a 4:40 p.m. EPD post on X.
The search and rescue operation was a large collaborative effort between EPD, Evanston Fire Department, Chicago Fire Department, Coast Guard and Wilmette Fire Department. The Chicago Fire Department also sent a helicopter to the scene and the EFD deployed a drone, according to EPD’s following posts.
EFD stated in its news release that the search used resources like rescue divers, helicopters, drones and more.
The news release also noted that the beach was under a red flag alert Sunday, which means water conditions are dangerous, swimming is not permitted and lifeguards are not on duty.
EFD reminded beachgoers to observe signs and flags attentively and exercise caution when using beaches.
“Rip currents are dangerous and not always obvious, so please adhere to beachfront safety guidelines and the flag system to stay safe,” the news release stated.
This is a developing story and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Email: [email protected]
