A teenage boy died Monday evening after being pulled from Lake Michigan near the Waukegan harbor channel, according to city rescue crews. Divers with the Waukegan Fire Department recovered the teen from the water by the channel, where first responders immediately began life-saving efforts before rushing him to a nearby hospital. He was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released his name.
According to CBS Chicago, the Waukegan Fire Department said the boy had been swimming with friends near the Waukegan Harbor Channel and did not come out of the water, prompting divers to be dispatched around 5:30 p.m., when they located him underwater. NBC Chicago reported that divers found the teen near the bottom of a break wall, brought him to the surface, and crews immediately began resuscitation efforts before transporting him to a hospital.
Harbor Channel And Breakwalls Are Known Hazards
Data and incident logs maintained by the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project document multiple recoveries in harbor channels on Lake Michigan, underscoring how quickly swimmers can get into serious trouble in those spots. Past reporting by the Chicago Sun-Times has also detailed earlier drownings near Waukegan's piers and the Stiner Pavilion, and officials routinely warn people to stay out of the channel.
Officials Give Limited Details
Waukegan officials have released only limited information while the incident remains under review. Per CBS Chicago, the Lake County Coroner's office had not yet identified the boy, and investigators have not provided additional public updates.
Beach Safety Reminder
The city’s lakefront information notes there are no lifeguards at Waukegan Municipal Beach and that swimming is at visitors’ own risk, a reminder to follow posted signs and steer clear of restricted channels. The Waukegan beach and park pages list rules and safety guidance for visitors during the summer season.
