Tragic Drowning Incident at Lake Michigan’s 31st Street Beach
Chicago, IL — A tragic incident occurred at Lake Michigan near 31st Street Beach on Monday, resulting in the death of a male victim after he was pulled from the water. Chicago firefighters received reports of a person in distress just after 2 p.m. and promptly deployed numerous crews to the scene.
Witness Alex Castillo shared his experience, stating that emergency responders were providing CPR as they worked desperately to save the man. "We saw the ambulances, the cops… they were trying to bring him back," Castillo recalled through a translator.
The cold water temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and high winds contributed to challenging conditions, exacerbating the rescue efforts. Tragically, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the man’s death at the University of Chicago Medical Center at approximately 3:46 p.m.
Despite the dangerous conditions, no swim warnings were issued, as Chicago’s beaches have yet to open for the season, which officially begins on Memorial Day. As a result, there were no lifeguards present.
Dave Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project emphasized the risks associated with cold water swimming. “What seems like an innocent quick dip can turn deadly due to cold water shock, which can incapacitate swimmers," he warned. He noted that shock can occur even in water as warm as 60 degrees.
“This is the beginning of the season when drownings often spike,” Benjamin added, highlighting that there have already been eight drownings in the Great Lakes this year, with the annual average typically around 100.
This tragic event underscores the critical importance of water safety awareness, particularly in the unpredictable early months of the swimming season.
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