I was hoping to get 1-2 short OW swims in this week, but I see that the park district’s page lists the beaches as closed. What’s the story- is it a “swim at your own risk” type of thing w/ no lifeguards (figuring no big deal b/c I’ve got a wet suit and its a whopping 4 ft. deep), or will the PD cuff and stuff me?
1000 yds is no bigie either way, but I’d like to stay loose and scrub some nervous energy…
It is swim @ your own risk,the cops are more concerned with the Gang Banger’s shooting @ each other.
I was told I had to get out by a lifeguard when I swam at Ohio Street beach the day before the Chicago Tri. With that said, are there still lifeguards on duty after labor day? If not, then there probably won’t be anyone to tell you to get out; however, that doesn’t mean you should get in…
I believe there are no more lifeguards. Even though I’m what society at large would call a very strong swimmer (and triathletes call MOP at best- I’m a realist…), I wouldn’t go into a deep body of water w/out at least another swimmer. However, the water is only chest deep for at least 50 meters out from the wall, and I’ll have a wetsuit on.
I’ll give it a shot and report back…
Depending on why the beach is closed, you could scrub a lot of nervous energy if you end up with some kind of bacterial thingy.
You best bet is to go early a.m. (before 8)
I’ve never had a problem, before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
Chances are you won’t be completely alone anyway.
A good thing about OSB is that if you did have distress in the water, there are also generally people on the bike path that could theoretically help.
I may be out there Friday PM after work.
The other good point about Ohio St. is that if you have problems stand up, it’s only 3 feet deep most of the way out.
Why were the beaches closed? In some places it because of the quality of the water. Did you catch anything? 
Labor day is always the final day of beach season. Technically, the beaches are closed after that since there are no lifeguards on duty.