A Lake Michigan search for a missing boy at Washington Park Beach was suspended after dangerous waves and currents injured four rescue divers near Michigan City, Indiana.

Police said officers responded at about 5:43 p.m. after witnesses reported that a child wearing red shorts entered the water east of the catwalk, just south of the lighthouse, and did not resurface. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said a group of teenagers had been swimming when one of them disappeared beneath the water.

Missing boy at Washington Park Beach prompts multiagency search

The Michigan City Fire Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and LaPorte County Emergency Medical Service joined the response. Four city fire divers and one state diver entered Lake Michigan, while crews also searched with drones and a fishing charter boat.

Conditions were hazardous, with waves reaching as high as 5 feet, strong currents and poor underwater visibility. Beaches in four Great Lakes states were under a high swim risk during the operation.

Four divers injured as Lake Michigan conditions worsen

Authorities suspended dive operations at about 10:44 p.m. after conditions became too dangerous for rescuers. Three Michigan City fire divers suffered minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. The state diver was also injured and assessed at the scene.

Officials said visual searches would continue until conditions improved enough for dive teams to return. The National Weather Service later listed a moderate swim risk for southeastern Lake Michigan beaches in Indiana because of breaking waves and lingering currents.

The case underscores how quickly Lake Michigan conditions can become dangerous, even close to shore. Authorities urged visitors to follow posted beach warnings and remain out of the water when hazardous-wave or current alerts are in effect. The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project had recorded 23 Great Lakes drownings in 2026, including 12 in Lake Michigan.