CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A swim ban is in effect for most of Chicago's beaches until 3 p.m. Saturday because the threat of waves as high as 6 feet and rip currents are putting swimmers' safety at risk, forecasters said.
The National Weather Service Chicago said that life-threatening waves and both rip and structural currents are expected at the beaches, and warned that people visiting the beaches should stay out of the water.
According to NWS, rip currents are channels of water that flow quickly away from shore, and occur most often at low spots or breaks in sandbars. Rip currents can sweep swimmers into deeper water.
Structural currents form along piers where longshore currents and wave action flow into the structure. Structural currents can sweep people into deeper water along the pier structure.
Calumet is the only city beach open for swimming. Check for updates at The Chicago Park District's website.