Heat Wave Turns Beach into Cooling Hub
The heat in Indiana has pushed people to the lake, turning a local beach into a bustling refuge.
Even before lifeguards set up at 11 a.m., the parking lot was already packed.
Lifeguard’s Warning
Second‑year lifeguard Matthew Billings highlighted heat exhaustion as the most common issue.
He urged visitors to:
- Drink water
- Use sunscreen
- Dive into the lake – the water is about 60 °F, a safe escape from the sun’s burn.
Weather Outlook
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning through midnight Thursday.
Afternoon heat indices are hovering near 105 °F across Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
Despite the forecast, many residents continue to head to the lake for relief.
Community Voices
Amanda Winland and Becky Cole, along with Cole’s daughter Addison, joined the crowd.
Winland said, “We love this place in summer,” noting fewer visits lately because of the heat.Meteorologist Casey Sullivan expects temperatures to stay in the mid‑90s for two days, drop into the 80s by Saturday, and bring a chance of showers.
He prefers “heat wave” over the term “heat dome.”
Scott and Timothy Mayer played frisbee in the water before planning a jet ski trip.
Scott explained, “We’re just taking a break from work because it’s so hot,” while Timothy stayed close to shore.The Prikkel family arrived early at 9:30 a.m., avoiding the parking rush.
Their son Jonah, nine, reminded everyone to get in the water to stay cool.Rebecca Ashley and Jeff Blaschke, regular visitors about three times a week, praised the lake’s unique dunes.
Ashley noted, “We try to get here early,” highlighting the comfort of shade and water.
Lifeguard’s Top Tips
- Monitor sun exposure
- Stay calm in deeper water where you can’t stand up
- Watch neighbors for signs of distress
- Know your limits, seek shade when needed, and ask lifeguards if unsure
Cooling Centers
Cooling centers are available throughout the region. Call 211 to connect with local options in:
- Chesterton
- Crown Point
- Gary
- Calumet Township
- Merrillville
- Portage
- Valparaiso
