No missing swimmer found in Evanston lakefront search

A call for a missing swimmer at Lee Street Beach in Evanston Monday afternoon proved to be a false alarm, according to a news release by the Evanston Fire Department.

The news release, sent at approximately 7:45 p.m., stated no victims were found and all credible evidence indicates all swimmers were accounted for.

Officials announced an end to the search around 6:45 p.m. after all Evanston swimming beaches were closed for the search.

According to the news release, a call for a lost swimmer was made from Lee Street Beach at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Initial reports said the swimmer went under the water at Greenwood Beach and did not resurface with initial investigations showing the beachgoer was unaccounted for.

Further investigation showed the swimmer had ventured about 25 yards past the sanctioned swimming area. A search of the entire Evanston lakefront via dive rescue and helicopters found no victims.

According to the news release, initial search efforts were conducted by lakefront personnel including lifeguards along with several EFD teams including the personal watercraft team, rescue divers, an EFD drone and Chicago Fire Department helicopters. Efforts were then increased with the search expanded to include Mutual Aid Box Alarm Division 3 Dive Team and EMS Box Alarms, according to the news release.

Police also reported several Marine Units, including Highland Park and Evanston Fire Dive Rescue teams, were on the scene as well as a Chicago Police Department helicopter. Multiple fire departments were on the scene including Des Plaines, Glenview, Northbrook, Lincolnshire and Wilmette.

Beaches will reopen Tuesday morning.