Boy, 6, in critical condition after being pulled from Lake Michigan at Montrose Beach

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A 6-year-old boy is hospitalized in critical condition after being pulled from Lake Michigan at Montrose Beach Wednesday night, Chicago police said.

Police said the six-year-old boy was pulled from the water at Montrose Beach at about 6:40 p.m.

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Aid was rendered and the boy was taken to Lurie's Children Hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Sources say a family member pulled the boy from the water. It's unclear at this hour how the boy got in the water in the first place.

Chicago beaches do not officially open until Friday at 11 a.m. Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day.

"There are always hazards around every body of water, and we need people to understand that water safety is not common sense," said Dave Benjamin of non-profit Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. "If you're ever struggling in water over your head, you should flip, float and follow. Flip over on your back, and float, keep your head above water, calm yourself down from the panic of drowning, and conserve energy, and then find a safe path out of the water."

Benjamin said so far this year, almost half the drownings in the Great Lakes have been in Lake Michigan.

People have already taken advantage of the summer-like weather by rushing to the beaches, something residents say they wait for all year.

While many will continue to head to the beach on this holiday weekend, it's important to remember the water is still quite cold, sitting in the 50s. First responders urge would-be swimmers to stay aware before diving in.

"Always check the weather before you go out," said Gretchen Chavez from the Chicago Police Department Marine Unit. "We know the weather in Chicago changes rapidly so if you see the weather changing, end your day short."