Beach Rules

Individuals must comply with requests from City of Evanston staff. Any individual who acts in a threatening, violent, or otherwise inappropriate manner may be asked to leave the beach without a refund, and/or legal prosecution.

Swimming

• Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty and within the marked swimming area.
• Swimmers may not swim beyond the marked buoys, which separate swimmers from boat traffic.
• Swimming may be restricted or prohibited due to weather or safety conditions.

Watercraft, Inflatables, and Equipment

• Use of inflatable objects or floatation devices, except US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets is not allowed.
• Launching of non-motorized boats/vessels is only allowed at the Dempster St. Launch Facility and requires a permit.
• Scuba Diving and the use of masks and snorkels is only permitted on Greenwood Beach by certified divers with required equipment. Required equipment includes at least one other certified diver with them, a buoyancy vest, scuba certification card, diver down flag, and submersible pressure gauge to enter.
• Beach patrons are not allowed on lifeguard chairs, boats, or buoys.
• The City of Evanston is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property.
• No individual or group shall knowingly release, cause, or organize the release of balloons into the air in City owned parks and beaches, unless the balloons are intended for bona fide scientific or meteorological purposes as specifically approved by the Director of Parks and Recreation or his/her designee.

Sand Activities

• Ball playing, frisbee, kite flying, etc. is permitted only in areas designated by beach staff.
• Digging of large holes is prohibited. All holes must be filled in when leaving.
• Loud music that may disturb other beach patrons is prohibited.
• Climbing on steel groins/breakwalls and rocks is dangerous and prohibited at all times.

• Fires and/or barbecues on the beach are prohibited.

Food and Drink

• Alcoholic beverages and glass containers are not permitted on the beach. A person under the influence of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior shall not be permitted in the beach area.
• Smoking, e-cigarettes, vaping and/or the use of any tobacco products is prohibited.
• Please dispose of all trash in designated containers.

Supervision

• Children must be properly supervised by an adult.
• Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (15 years or older).
• Persons 11-14 years old may supervise children ten and under when they have written parental permission.

Admission

• A season pass or daily ticket is required for admission for all patrons, age one and over. Learn more.
• Service dogs are permitted on the beach. Pets, including emotional support animals, are not permitted.
• Specific areas on the sand or in the water, may be reserved for Recreation Division Programs.
• All commercial photography is prohibited without a permit and permission from the Parks & Recreation Department.

Health

• In accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health, admission to the beach shall be refused to all persons having any contagious disease, infectious conditions such as colds, fever, ringworm, foot infections, skin lesions, carbuncles, boils, diarrhea, vomiting, inflamed eyes, ear discharges, or any other condition that has the appearance of being infectious. Persons with excessive sunburn, abrasions that have not healed, corn plasters, bunion pads, adhesive tape, rubber bandages, or other bandages of any kind shall also be refused admittance because of the potential for transmittable disease.
• The beach water is not suitable for drinking. Patrons should avoid swallowing beach water.
• Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose or otherwise introducing contaminants into the beach water is not permitted.
• All children who are not toilet trained shall wear tightly fitting disposable swim diapers.
• Feeding of wildlife or other actions that encourage their presence is prohibited.