Science & Nature
Chicago Beaches Officially Open for Swimming Friday, Pools Will Open in June
A green flag posted at a Chicago beach means swimming is permitted. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
Chicago’s beaches are opening Friday, marking the unofficial start to summer.
Grab a towel, some sunscreen and maybe a jacket, with temperatures expected to top out at 60 degrees over the holiday weekend.
The Chicago Park District announced it has recruited enough lifeguards to have all 22 beaches open for swimming seven days a week, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Labor Day, Sept. 1.
The city’s pools are expected to open June 21.
A shortage of lifeguards had curtailed hours and locations in recent years, but the Park District said the number of lifeguard applicants in 2025 had exceeded the district’s goal and had rebounded to pre-pandemic figures.
As a reminder, Chicago uses a color-coded flag system to indicate whether swimming is allowed or not, based on weather conditions and water quality. Even if the water appears calm, bacteria levels could be dangerous.
— Green: Swimming is permitted.
— Yellow: Swimming is permitted, but caution is advised. Either the weather conditions are unpredictable or bacteria levels in the water are elevated.
— Red: Swimming is not permitted. The weather or water quality is dangerous. To keep beaches and the water clean, the Park District urges people to properly dispose of food waste, diapers and other trash, and to not feed birds.
Red flags are posted when lifeguards are off-duty, between 7 p.m. and 11 a.m.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
