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Story summary
- U.S. National Weather Service warned over 5 million people to avoid Lake Michigan beaches.
- Alerts forecast 3-6 ft waves in Chicago and up to 4 ft waves near Milwaukee.
- Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project director Dave Benjamin said lifeguards stop staffing beaches after Labor Day.
- The project recorded 41 of 73 Great Lakes drownings this year at Lake Michigan.
- Officials warned dangerous water may persist into early next week after Friday warnings end.