Teen Missing in Lake Michigan at Rainbow Beach as Dangerous Swim Conditions Continue Through Tuesday Night

(WTTW News)(WTTW News)

A 16-year-old boy is missing in Lake Michigan after last being seen in the water off Rainbow Beach Sunday afternoon, according to the Chicago Police Department.

Rescuers were called to the scene at approximately 3:45 p.m. Sunday when the teen went under water and did not resurface. Divers with the Chicago Fire Department searched for the victim, but had to call off the effort due to poor weather conditions, police said.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

The National Weather Service said near shore buoys recorded waves above 8 feet at the Chicago pier and more than 12 feet high near Michigan City, Indiana.

A beach hazard warning is in effect for the entire Lake Michigan shoreline in Illinois, as well as northwest Indiana, through 9 p.m. Tuesday, with high waves and dangerous currents expected.

“Swimming conditions will be life threatening, especially for inexperienced swimmers,” the weather service said.

The weather service is also advising people to steer clear of areas where they could be swept into the lake, including piers, breakwalls and portions of lakeshore trails that may be partially inundated by large waves.

Red flags posted at Chicago beaches indicate no swimming allowed.

There are also reports of two separate rescues at Illinois Beach State Park Sunday, with two swimmers in distress pulled from the lake and transported to the hospital in fair condition.


Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors