Two people were pulled from Lake Michigan by the fire department after their WaveRunner capsized near the Waukegan Harbor and Marina, fire officials said.
The Waukegan Police Department and Waukegan Fire Department responded around 6:20 p.m. on July 18 to the Waukegan North Harbor, 199 East Madison Street, for a report of a water rescue.
Waukegan Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Zupec said it was reported that two people were in the water.
Two people were seen in the water holding onto a capsized Yamaha WaveRunner as emergency crews arrived.
Zupec said both subjects were wearing life vests.
Fire crews deployed a boat and WaveRunner to the location of the subjects, who were approximately 200 yards offshore.
A sailboat in the area had also responded to try to help the subjects in the water, Zupec said. They were attempting to tow the disabled WaveRunner and passengers to shore.
The fire department assisted the subjects from the water and brought them to shore by boat.
Their WaveRunner was also towed in and both individuals, a male and a female, were evaluated by medical personnel.
They reported no injuries and were released at the scene.
Zupec said everyone should be cautious when going to the lakefront.
“Please stay within the designated swimming area and always wear personal flotation devices when operating any watercraft,” he said. “Always check lake conditions for any beach hazard or small craft warnings.”
Bill Barron, who was at the lakefront when the incident occurred, said he saw a large fire department response by the south rocks.
He said he witnessed the fire department bringing the two people back to shore after it appeared they fell off the WaveRunner.
Barron said the two people later got back on the WaveRunner but ended up falling into the water again and had to crawl out.