Don't Turn Your Back on the Ocean

My feet sigh as they hit the sand and it forms to my step.  How people can wear shoes on the beach I don't know. It dulls the whole experience; like eating a meal without being able to smell or see it.  I've been continuing on my beach walks during my lunch break and it's something I look forward to.  I found a new beach access, my stairway to heaven I call it.

I took this path last Friday and had a reminder lesson that the ocean is not forgiving.  It was a foggy day and I was mostly alone on the beach as I wandered down to the shoreline.

I was trying to get a picture of the water washing gently over my feet.

The water was slow to reach me so I kept moving further out.

 I noticed a strange crossing pattern of the waves as the water built up.

 Suddenly I noticed a wall of water that quickly hit my legs.

I could feel the sucking power as the tide pulled back out.  It was a scary feeling.  Even worse, on this foggy weekday with no one around, no one would have even seen me if I needed help.

Even though I know how quickly a large wave can form and wash over you I was still unprepared.  Every year people die on our shores.  They get caught in riptides while playing in waist level surf and are unable to escape.  People who attempt to rescue them also get caught.  And yes, Prince Eric, we also have sharks.  The average shark attack takes place in 3 feet of water.

I cringe when I see young children playing at the edge of the water.  I'm not a paranoid helicopter parent by any means but I don't think people understand the real danger.  If you go to the beach: be aware of riptides, know whether the tide is coming in or out, wear a fitted wet suit if you're surfing and never turn your back on the ocean.  Please read the tips in the link below, it may save your life.

Ocean Safety Tips