Beachgoers were under yet another urgent warning of strong currents and dangerous waves across the lakefront in Chicago and the surrounding area on Monday.
The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazard Statement for Cook and Lake counties in Illinois, as well as Kenosha County in Wisconsin, in effect through Monday night.
The NWS warned of high waves reaching 3 to 6 feet, with strong rip currents and dangerous swimming conditions expected.
Those visiting beaches in the area were warned to stay out of the water, as the conditions could be life-threatening. Due to the warning, the Chicago Park District closed the piers at North Avenue and Montrose beaches, reminding visitors to check the flag color at each beach before swimming - with red flags warning that swimming is not allowed.
The conditions on Lake Michigan have proven treacherous and even deadly multiple times over the last week.
On Thursday afternoon, 35-year-old Rene Padilla died after jumping into the water to save his 12-year-old daughter, who had been swept into the lake from a breakwall near Chicago's 31st Street Beach.
On Sunday, two men had to be pulled from the water near Fullerton Avenue, with one, a 26-year-old, dying of his injuries.
And in north suburban Waukegan on Sunday, several boaters had to be rescued after two boats capsized in choppy waves, with one person still hospitalized as of Monday morning.
The Coast Guard has also issued a warning, telling boaters, jetskiers and surfers to stay off the lake and even advising people to avoid the lakefront jogging paths and reminding the public that it's not safe to take selfies near the water, as unsuspecting waves could easily knock someone off balance.
