Warning: 10 Illinois Beaches With Swimming Restrictions

If you love swimming, you also understand the dangers and that's why it's vital to know that there are 10 beaches in Illinois right now that have swimming bans or restrictions.

According to the Chicago Park District, here are 10 beaches that have restrictions on swimming. Note that nearly all of these were updated within the past hour or so as of the date of this writing. The following beaches have outright swimming bans:

Calumet Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:34:22 PM
Helen Doria Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:38:59 PM
North Shore Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:37:04 PM
Osterman Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:20:19 PM
Tobey Prinz Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:38:51 PM
Hartigan Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:37:58 PM
Lane Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:19:55 PM
Oak Street Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:48:35 PM
Rainbow Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:15:11 PM
12th Street Beach updated: 8/12/2025, 1:33:34 PM

Why has Illinois banned swimming at these 10 beaches?

The swimming bans depend on weather, wind conditions and water quality. If bacteria levels exceed a certain safe level, swimming is prohibited, but high wind can also be the culprit. The authorities advise only swimming at beaches where lifeguards are on duty between 11am and 7pm. They add that swimming anywhere along the lakefront is forbidden and hazardous.