On Friday, Chicago beaches officially reopen, which means — congrats! — you finally made it to summer. Bring on the swimsuits, sunbathing eye candy and sunscreen-slathered beach bums. To ease you back into sand and sun, we’re rolling out weekly rundowns of Chicago beaches as told by the lifeguard hotties — er, waterside rescuers — who know them best. First up is senior lifeguard Sam Jordan. (Hands off, ladies. He’s married.)
What’s one of the biggest misconceptions about lifeguards?
Jordan: Most people think it’s just a summer thing. Whenever I go to a car dealership or apply for a loan, I always get the question, “That’s just for the summer, right?” But a lot of people don’t know that lifeguarding is a year-round job.
So no one ever thinks lifeguarding is like “Baywatch”?
Jordan: Yeah, I get that a lot — “Baywatch,” Nature Boy, things like that. “If I drown, will you save me?”: That’s the line we hear all the time.
Have you ever saved anyone?
Jordan: Well, sure. There are times when kids go a little too far, and you have to step in. I’m sure every lifeguard has that. We try to prevent those things.
Who’s better behaved on the beach: kids or twentysomethings?
Jordan: [Laughs] I would have to say it’s about the same.
Would you say each beach you’ve worked on has its own personality?
Jordan: Definitely. Rainbow Beach is the largest sand beach on the South Side, so there’s a lot of area to cover. At Calumet Beach, it’s a smaller beach, but I’d say it gets more people than — I don’t want to say North Avenue [Beach], but it’s very popular, especially on Sundays. 64th Street Beach is more of an adult beach … 35 and older.
How do you keep alert during shifts?
Jordan: We rotate pretty much every hour so we won’t get comfortable and start daydreaming.
What’s your favorite part of beach season?
Jordan: My favorite time is in August. The weather’s a little cooler, but the waves are a little bigger, especially at Rainbow Beach, because of its location on the lake — I would say between 7- and 10-foot waves. Those types of days are fun to row in. It makes you feel like you’re lifeguarding in the ocean instead of just at Lake Michigan.
When to beach:
Most popular weekday:
Jordan: Fridays, because people get off of work and [are ready for] the weekend.
Best day to go if you want the crowded-beach vibe:
Jordan: Sundays, especially at Calumet Beach. It’s so crowded that the police have to close the park entrances.
Best day to go if you want to curl up with a beach read and not get smacked in the head with a Frisbee:
Jordan: Monday is the slowest day. As a captain, I’ll be scheduled off on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Know before you go
Beach season: Friday-Sept. 7
Swim hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Beach hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Parking: Some lots are available, though the Chicago Park District suggests taking public transportation.
Grilling: Allowed in designated areas only; coals should be disposed of in provided containers.
More info: chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/beaches
Can you dig it?
Speaking of beaches, think you’ve got the spike-power to rule sand volleyball? Join the Metromix Beach Volleyball Team! Matches start Wednesday nights in early June as part of the coed Chicago Sport & Social league at North Avenue Beach. Hit up metromix.com to apply.
Vital stats
Name: Sam Jordan
Age: 28
‘Hood: Chatham
Title: Lifeguard captain
Lifeguard chops: 12 years experience at Rainbow Beach (3111 E. 77th St.), Calumet Beach (9900-9600 S. Lakefront) and 57th Street Beach (5700 S. Lakefront)
Where you can find him this summer: 57th Street Beach
