Missing swimmer remains unidentified two weeks after search called off near Fort Sheridan beach

Two weeks after a report of a distressed swimmer near the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve activated a two-day rescue operation, authorities have released no new information regarding whether the individual has been found or identified. 

The Highland Park Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the missing swimmer, has no further information available as of press time, said Amanda Bennett, Highland Park’s communications manager, on Sept. 4.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources brought a search and recovery boat to the last known location of the missing swimmer during the first week of September, but did not find any new information, the city communications manager added.

First responders from the Highland Park Fire Department and Police Department answered a call around noon on Saturday, Aug. 23, reporting a distressed swimmer off the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve, 24256 Patten Road, Highwood. 

As the City of Highwood lacks an independent police or fire department, Highland Park emergency personnel respond to the small city’s calls through an intergovernmental agreement.

Several other agencies assisted in the rescue operation, which was postponed at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. The operation then “transitioned to a recovery search” and resumed at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 24, Bennett said.

The search for the missing swimmer was called off later that day due to the strength and speed of the currents on Lake Michigan, a community advisory email the City of Highland Park sent out at 3:28 p.m. on Aug. 24 said.

Rescue divers deployed sonar technology and an underwater rover, and the city deployed a police drone, but personnel were ultimately unable to recover the missing swimmer, the advisory said. 

At one point, a bystander unsuccessfully attempted to assist the swimmer and a rescue diver was also reported missing for a short time but later returned uninjured, according to the city.

Openlands, donated the 72 acres of land that contains the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve near Fort Sheridan to the Lake County Forest Preserve in August 2023 after helping to restore its bluff habitats and installing accessible trails, according to the Chicago-based conservation nonprofit’s website.

A large sign standing less than 50 feet from the stairs descending to the northern head of Openland Lakeshore’s mile-long rocky beach reads, in part: “NO SWIMMING OR WADING.”

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