The City of Evanston is notifying residents and visitors of important health and safety policies that will be implemented at public swimming beaches this season to protect visitors and staff.

Evanston beaches open to swimming on Wednesday, July 1. Patrons are advised to review these health and safety policies prior to their visit:

  • Those who are sick or who live with a vulnerable family member should stay home.
  • Beaches will be limited to 50% capacity in accordance with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines to accommodate social distancing. Capacity limits vary by beach; staff will monitor and limit admission to comply with these limits.
  • Patrons must maintain a six-foot distance from those outside of their household while at the beach.
  • Face coverings must be worn when entering the beach, interacting with staff, and while on the beach when maintaining a six-foot distance from others is not possible. Children age 2 or under and those who cannot wear a face covering due to medical issues are exempt.

Concessions will not be offered this summer, and beach patrons are reminded that drinking fountains are currently turned off. Visitors may bring their own water and food items, and are reminded to take all items home with them when they leave. Glass containers are not allowed, and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on beaches and in City parks. 

Visitors are reminded that swimming is only allowed in designated swimming areas and when lifeguards are on duty. Pets, with the exception of service animals, are not allowed on the beach at any time. 

Hours and Locations

Lighthouse, Clark Street, Lee Street and South Boulevard beaches will open for swimming daily beginning Wednesday, July 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Greenwood Street Beach will be closed throughout the season due to high water levels and beach erosion. The summer beach season runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

Lakefront restrooms are open and are cleaned every two hours in accordance with public health guidelines.

Admission

A season beach token or daily pass is required for admission. Beach tokens are available to purchase online and in person at the Dempster Street Beach Office, Evanston Ecology Center, Robert Crown Community Center, and Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center during their office hours.

A daily admission pass can be purchased at the Dempster Street Beach Office and Clark Street Beach Office only. Daily admission passes will not be sold at other beach entrances. A daily pass is $8 for an adult, and $6 for children ages 1 through 11.

More information is available at cityofevanston.org/beaches or by calling/texting 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.