Suit Up: North Avenue Beach Opening, Park District Upping Communication

Although the recent warm temperatures make it seem like beach season has arrived, we're still two days away.

The 2013 beach season runs from Friday, May 24, to Monday, Sept. 3, according to the Chicago Park Distrct. Swimming is allowed when life guards are on duty between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. And while that hasn't changed, some things have. 

This year, the park district will be using predictive models at all beaches to provide faster and more accurate water quality information to the public. Computer models use weather data to predict bacteria levels in real time.

"Life guards now have the ability to update this website from the beach, so this website will display swim restrictions based on poor weather or rough surf along with water quality restrictions," park district officials said, in a news release. "You can also check each the page for each beach to see current weather conditions from the closest monitoring location."

Join Patch for more neighborhood news and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Lincoln Park's North Avenue Beach is one of the city's most popular. Identified by its trademark blue and white beach house, it boasts one of the best skyline views around. Permanently docked along the beach, the building includes 22,000 square feet and has upper decks and portholes for looking at the horizon or the multitudes of bikers, runners, walkers and rollerbladers streaming down the lakefront trail.

Whether you're taking a walk along the beachfront or spending the day in the sand, park district officials are reminding residents to stay safe beyond just wearing sun screen and remaining hydrated.

They offered the following tips:

• Lake Michigan water is still quite cold at the start of the swim season, even when the air is warm. Swim with other people, swim near life guards, and get out and warm up if you experience shivering or if your skin appears blue.
• Please follow the beach rules when you're at the beach.
• Follow lifeguards' instructions—they are there to keep you safe.
• Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are permitted.
• No smoking.
• No alcohol.
• No glass containers—broken glass in the sand can cause serious injuries.
• Dogs are not allowed on the beach except in designated dog friendly areas at Foster Beach and Montrose Beach.
• Do not feed birds or wildlife. Seagulls and geese are one of the largest sources of the bacteria that causes swim advisories. Feeding gulls attracts them to the beach.
• Dispose of trash and recycling in appropriate containers. Trash attracts gulls to the beach, which can cause swim advisories.
• Grill in designated areas only and dispose of coals in red barrels. Please do not dump coals next to trees, where they can damage tree roots.
• Keep accessible beach walks clear. No bicycling, skateboarding or rollerblading is permitted in these areas.
• Surfing, windsurfing and kiteboarding are only allowed in designated areas.
• Visit the National Weather Service's website to learn about rip tides.

Follow us on Facebook!