(J.Feist/Flickr)
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE - Rip currents and high waves prompted the National Weather Service to issue a beach advisory Friday along Lake Michigan from the north suburbs to northwest Indiana.
Waves were forecast to reach heights of between 3 and 5 feet, according to the weather service. Additionally, strong rip currents and structural currents were expected for Lake County, Cook County and Lake County in Indiana on Lake Michigan.
Beachgoers were advised to stay out of the water, the weather service said.
Rip currents are powerful channels of water that flow quickly away from shore, the weather service said. They occur at low spots or breaks in sandbars and can pull swimmers quickly out into deeper water. Structural currents form along piers and can also sweep swimmers into deep water.
As of Friday afternoon, the Chicago Park District had issued a swim ban only for Fargo Beach in Rodgers Park due to hazardous surf. A swim advisory due to weather was issued for Montrose Beach.