A report of a swimmer in distress on Lake Michigan near Lake Forest prompted a multi-agency response that resulted in a swimmer being assisted from the water.
The Lake Forest Fire Department responded around 5:50 p.m. Saturday to Fort Sheridan Beach, 1275 Gilgare Lane in Lake Forest, for a report of a water rescue.
Lake Forest Deputy Fire Chief Mike Gallo said a caller reported a swimmer in distress off of the beach on Lake Michigan.
The Highland Park, Lake Bluff and Lake Forest fire departments responded and launched boats in the search effort.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit also responded.
Gallo said Lake Forest fire crews located a male subject approximately a half-mile from shore.
The swimmer reported he was not in distress but firefighters informed him was a substantial distance from shore.
They advised him to board the fire boat and he was brought to a Highland Park fire boat, which transported the man to shore, Gallo said.
The swimmer reported no injuries and no medical treatment was rendered, Gallo added.
The Countryside Fire Protection District and the Mundelein Fire Department assisted Lake Forest with other emergency calls during the operation.
Gallo said the public should use caution while on Lake Michigan, which “has the tendencies of an inland sea.”