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12/25/2005: "Ocean Activity"

We've been having some high surf warnings for the past week, and they look to be continuing for the next few days.

What's of interest to me is the following advice, urged upon me by a government that is trying to be helpful by treating me like I'm an idiot:

"ALL PERSONS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WATER- RELATED ACTIVITIES AND USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN ENTERING THE OCEAN."

If we "should be" aware of the risks, there's really not much sense in mentioning them now, is there?

It gets funnier, though, near the end when they advise us that "WHEN VISITING THE SHORELINE NEVER TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN."

I see. In the interests of safety I should slowly back away from the ocean slowly and look like a fool. I would pay money to see a seashore filled with people following that advice! I can see them now, leaving their cars, approaching the waves, and then walking backwards across the sand until they get back to the street. "No, Billy! Be careful! Don't turn your back on the ocean: it could turn at any time!"