2 rescued, 8 boats overturned during heroic lakefront rescue

The Evanston Fire Department responded to multiple reports of several overturned sailboats and swimmers struggling in the water in the lake late in the afternoon of Aug. 24. 

First-responding companies encountered high winds, heavy rain and sleet conditions along the lakefront, with a total of eight overturned boats in the water and along the beachfront. Two swimmers were found without life vests, clinging to their capsized boats. 

Based on lakefront conditions, Evanston Fire Department quickly upgraded search-and-rescue efforts to include EFD water rescue personnel, the U.S. Coast Guard, Evanston Lifeguards, Wilmette Sail Club and Evanston City staff to rescue the two adult boaters successfully.

The Coast Guard was able to contact both swimmers within the first 30 minutes of the incident, safely transporting them to the Wilmette Harbor for evaluation. There were no reported injuries during the incident.