Chicago beaches open Friday as Mayor Johnson, officials outline summer safety plan
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Friday may not have been a great beach day in Chicago, but it didn't matter for some.
One group of friends has a tradition at the start of the beach season. They meet for lunch at Reggie's on the Beach, no matter the forecast.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
"We come every year, and this is the opening day, so why would we not be here?" said Kecia Martin.
"We have this right here in our backyard, here in the states, in Chicago, one of the greatest cities around. You can't beat it," said Carey Martin.
The eighth graders at O'Keeffe School of Excellence didn't seem to be bothered by the chill for their end-of-year trip to 63rd Street Beach.
"We are not deterred. There are some legs in the water, playing volleyball. It's a little windy, but hey, it's Chicago," said teacher Kim Kirksey.
On Friday, the Chicago Park District officially opened its 22 beaches with hundreds of extra seasonal lifeguards.
"We have about 300 year-round lifeguards, and we bring on an additional 600-700 for the summer, and we are pretty close to full right now," said Chicago Park District Director of Aquatics Andy Walsh.
But on Friday, Walsh cautioned to watch for red flags that warn of dangerous swimming conditions. On land, some Chicago beachgoers may also notice 12 new gated parking pay systems.
"It's a just different way to make sure that fees are paid, and those fees go toward programs throughout the city," Walsh said.
This season, 60 new concessions are opening, and it is opening day for most beach businesses, chill or no chill.
"I'm ready. I'm ready for summertime. I'm kind of tired of wearing a coat," said Castaways Chef Frank Valdez.
"I did not plan on the weather. Hopefully, the weather comes out and makes everything a little nicer. Either way, it's still fun," said beachgoer Adrian Juarez.
ABC7 met a mother and daughter, visiting from Mexico City, who are making to most of their visit despite the temperature.
"I have two layers, and I have a skirt, but its fine. I can it handle with no problem," said Mariana Miranda.
As the temperature warms, Walsh urged those in the water to swim near a lifeguard and for parents and caregivers to always keep an eye on their kiddos in water, even if there is a lifeguard. All 22 Chicago beaches will remain open through Labor Day.
Meanwhile, city leaders say safety is their top priority this summer.
As more people are expected to be outside, local churches and community groups are coming together to curb violence. This is part of an initiative called "Hands Across Chicago".
"We believe in the power of prayer, but also the power of presence, so we're trying to merge the two," Daniel Bair, executive director of Englewood Family Outreach, said.
Englewood Family Outreach is one of many groups participating in Hands Across Chicago.
Prayer services will take place across churches and city streets on Memorial Day weekend. The message is meant to unite, inspire, and call for peace.
"I've been in the community for 25 years, so, I've obviously seen the ebbs and flows in the violence over the years," Bair said.
Just Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson laid out his 2026 summer safety strategy.
It will focus on neighborhoods seeing ongoing crime while also working with community partners to provide summer jobs and safe spaces for young people.
According to CPD crime statistics from April, analyzed by our ABC7 Data Team, overall violent crime in the city, including murders, carjackings, and shootings, is down compared to the average of the prior three years.
However, the city is still dealing with so-called teen takeovers.
RELATED | Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling addresses retirement rumors, 'teen takeovers'
The most recent one happened in Hyde Park last weekend.
A 14-year-old girl was arrested after being accused of attacking an officer while refusing to leave the area. Johnson is urging parents to step up.
"Our parents, our adults, all of us have to put in hard work to put our arms around young people," Johnson said. "Someone knows one of those kids that's out there. Somebody knows them. Before this weekend ends, I'm calling on all parents adults to speak directly to your young people. I'm going to speak to mine."
"We also think education is a huge thing, helping these students get to a point where they're not just able to get a job, but able to keep a job and be an active part of their community," Bair said.
This weekend, the Chicago Police Department canceled days off to ensure officers have a presence across the city.
"We will also have additional resources deployed in our business areas, like the beaches, the lakefront downtown, our business corridors throughout the entire summer," CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said.
Community violence intervention groups are also planning to have expanded hours across different neighborhoods this weekend.
