First responders launched an urgent search Monday evening along Lake Michigan after witnesses reported that a child entered the water at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City and never came back up. Crews concentrated on the east side of the catwalk, just south of the lighthouse, while local agencies coordinated their efforts from the shoreline.
What officials say
According to NBC Chicago, the Michigan City Police Department said in a Facebook post that officers responded to a report of a possible drowning at Washington Park Beach at 5:38 p.m. Bystanders told police they saw a child in red shorts go into the lake and then disappear beneath the surface, and officers said they were working with other responders to locate the child as the search continued.
Where this happened
Washington Park is Michigan City’s main lakefront park, featuring a pier, lighthouse and a popular family beach area, according to the Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department. The department’s site also provides daily water-quality updates and rip-current and beach-hazard information for Washington Park Beach, which officials say visitors should review before heading into the lake, along with other city guidance.
Why Lake Michigan can be treacherous
The National Weather Service issues daily beach forecasts and Beach Hazard Statements when waves and currents create a high swim risk, noting that conditions near piers and breakwalls can shift quickly. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project tracks rescues and drownings on Lake Michigan, including previous incidents near Washington Park, underscoring how fast a day in the water can turn into a life-threatening emergency.
Next steps
Police said the search remained active and that additional details would be released when available, according to NBC Chicago. Contact information and updates from the Michigan City Police Department are available on the department’s official website.
