In Chicago, in the past week or two, the waves were so high that the jogging/bike path was closed. There were people going around the barricades. 
Was an article in this a.m.'s Trib as well. Always funny to track how a particular story will progress through the various news outlets.
ISTM that a number of Chicago area summer drownings are late at night. Some involve fishermen, but many involve folk who decide to take a dip after closing the bars.
Really interesting article about the dunes. Thanks.