Chicago Police Close Access to Dangerously Packed Beaches on 4th of July

With the Fourth of July bringing hot temperatures, Chicagoans and tourists alike packed the city's beaches on the humid and blistering Wednesday morning and afternoon. However, the packed conditions led to dangerous conditions and confusing. In fact, the Chicago Police Department had to step in on several occasions.

Police on bikes and in cars were forced to block off auto and car traffic, though bikes were and pedestrians were allowed to brave the masses, to total of four beach entrances on Chicago's North Side.

Within the heat of the crowds and the confusion, many visitors were unable to find bathrooms, concession stands, and even family members within the masses of people.

Still, the sand was more crowded than the water, leaving a spot to sit and relax to a minimum.

When the clock hit noon, the Chicago Police Department closed all vehicle access to the lake front beaches at Wilson, Lawrence, Montrose, and Foster Avenues. The police were clearly taking safety precautions, especially when the streets and sidewalks were packed with vehicles and pedestrians.

Dangerous conditions erupted when cars could barely move and people and children weaved between the slow moving vehicles.

Once the chaos died down around 4:30 in the afternoon, vehicles were now allowed back through the Lawrence and Foster entrances.

As previously stated, it seemed like tons of people waited in line for the public bathrooms, not counting the portable toilets located on the sidewalks of some of the beaches. Some bathrooms had nearly 50 people in line. Women held crying children and often changed diapers outside of the washroom. It could take up to an hour to use the bathroom.

Luckily, the Chicago Wednesday night news reported no reports, arrests, or incidents at any of the beaches in the city. However, many tourists were clearly upset with police control and hoped that the beaches would be more organized next year.