Rain and temps in the low 50s don’t exactly make for ideal beach day weather, but as of today (May 27), Chicago beaches are officially open! The city’s 22 beaches open for the season every year on the Friday before Memorial Day, marking the start of one of Chicagoans’ favorite pastimes: swimming in frigid Lake Michigan waters.
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In the event you were tempted to don a wetsuit and brave the cold, know that the Chicago Park District has issued a beach hazard statement warning of high waves and dangerous currents, which will remain in effect until 10pm tonight. Still, we’ve got warmer weather in the forecast for Memorial Day weekend in Chicago, so keep those swimsuits and towels handy (and prepare to brave crowds, too).
FYI: Before swimming, remember to check the colored flag notification system posted at each beach—green means swimming is permitted, yellow means caution is advised and red means swimming is not permitted—or visit the Chicago Park District’s website to read through daily beach advisories and swimming conditions. Looking for even more ways to celebrate the start of summer? Check out our roundup of the best Memorial Day events in Chicago and have a wonderful three-day weekend.