2 teens hospitalized after being rescued by bystanders from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion

Two teenage boys were transported to the hospital after they were rescued by friends and bystanders from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion Monday evening.

The Beach Park Fire Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6:15 p.m. Monday to Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Drive in unincorporated Zion, for a report of a water rescue.

911 callers reported two people in Lake Michigan struggling approximately 100 yards from shore.

Beach Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Thomas Hopkins said crews arrived and learned two teenage males had been in distress in the water.

They were rescued by friends and bystanders and were on shore when emergency crews arrived.

A significant response was initially dispatched but was downgraded after it was determined that no one was still in need of rescue, Hopkins said.

The incident happened at the main beach while the victims were swimming with their friends.

Hopkins said paramedics provided medical care to both of the victims and transported them to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan.

One of the victims, who was doing worse than the other, seemed to improve by the time the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Hopkins said.

Both were awake and talking. Their exact conditions were not known but they were both expected to survive.

Hopkins said visitors at the state park should be cautious and aware. The state provides life preservers at the beach for patrons to use.

Hopkins also said that the state has made safety improvements but Lake Michigan still can be “very dangerous.”

The Zion Fire/Rescue Department assisted the Beach Park Fire Department during the incident.