The City of Evanston utilizes Rainout Line to keep you informed about the status of beaches. 

• Sign-up for text/email alerts for any/all of the beaches
• Download the free "Rainout Line" mobile app for iPhone or Android and search "Evanston Parks and Recreation"
• Call 847-448-0034 to hear the status of each beach

Flag Warning System

The City of Evanston uses a swim flag warning system to help beach visitors understand swimming conditions more effectively. The concept is straightforward, employing different colors to indicate the level of swimming risk.  Flags are located at each beach on one of the lifeguard chairs. 

The absence of flags does not assure safe waters. Swim bans and advisories may be implemented based on weather conditions such as lightning or high winds, surf conditions such as high waves, or poor water quality. Please be aware of the current swim status when you go to the beach, and follow all instructions from lifeguards. Swim status may change throughout the day as water and weather conditions change.

DANGER: Lake Michigan is a dangerous body of water. Participation in activities on or near the water involves risk that may cause serious injury or death. Be aware of changing weather and water conditions.

Information on Beach Closings

Safety Situations

For safety reasons, the City of Evanston will close the water for swimming (beach area remains open) when any of the following situations occur:

• Unsafe conditions due to rip or lateral currents
• High winds limiting visibility due to blowing sand
• Excessive wave action
• Thunder
• Fog
• Seiche effects (rapid change in water level due to change in barometric pressure)
• The opening of the locks in Wilmette triggers an immediate closing of all City of Evanston swimming areas for at least 24 hours
• Other health hazards (biological/chemical waste).

Storm Conditions

During the following situations, both the beach and the swimming area will be closed:

• Lightning
• Tornado
• Waterspout

The Recreation Division may voluntarily close swimming areas following a heavy rainfall or known incident that may have contaminated the water.

How do I know if the beach water is safe?

No one can guarantee the quality of natural bodies of water. The Department recommends not entering the water if it is very murky or turbid, if it has an odor or if there has been a heavy rainfall within the past 24 hours. Beach patrons should not drink the water and should not enter the water if they have any open sores or skin infections, or are experiencing diarrhea.

How does Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) affect the water?

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago website displays dates when a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) event occurs on the entire Chicago Area waterways, including the North Shore Channel. Information is updated daily and indicates when the channel is unsafe for limited contact recreation use. These activities include recreational boating (kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing) and any limited contact incident to shoreline activity, such as wading and fishing. Click here to sign up to receive e-mail notification of CSO events directly from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

What can I do to assure the best water quality at the beach?

While some contamination may occur by nature and cannot be controlled, there are several things that beach patrons can do to assure the best water quality:

• Be sure infants wear tight fitting rubber or plastic pants if they enter the beach water
• Don’t encourage water fowl by feeding ducks or geese
• Encourage children to use the toilets frequently.

Beach Water Testing

Please visit the Evanston Health and Human Services website for information on water quality and beach water testing.

Please call 311 or email health@cityofevanston.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding the beach water.

Is it necessary to report any illness that might be associated with the use of the beach?

The Evanston Health & Human Services Department should be notified if you become sick after swimming at the beach. Illnesses will be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health for investigation. Early notification can prevent hundreds of additional people from becoming ill.