The time for Spring Break is almost here. That non-denominational holiday so beloved in the USA is coming around again. It’s time for brain strained co-eds and sunburned sailors to let down their hair. Remember to bring it down a notch when you find yourself in a nautical environment. That goes double for skiing too.
There were reports of an unusually high numbers of people drowning on the island of Kauai this year. I wrote about that in a couple of articles listed below. My sons were qualified as lifeguards and became surfing instructors on Kauai.
Now a new ocean related tragedy made the news at another popular vacation spot, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. A couple of sweethearts, aged 70 and 65, were having a romantic stroll on the beach. Suddenly a giant wave swept them off their feet and carried them out to sea. Sadly, the female did not survive and the older man must live the rest of his life with the memory of a vacation that went very wrong.
As mentioned in my previous article, the rate of drownings on my favorite island, Kauai, has been sadly accelerated this year. So far, there have been people lost from swimmers venturing into the ocean. There was a hiker drowned on the Na Pali coast, while trying to ford a stream that was fast moving and bloated from rains in the mountains. Now it’s necessary to mention one more variety of danger, “Sneaker Waves.”.
It’s not just Kauai that is being affected, of course.
When you are close to the ocean, don’t be lulled by the seeming regularity of the ocean conditions. As the tides rise and fall, it’s easy to think that you have a sense of what to expect. That’s when a sneaker wave can come in and knock you down and suck you out into deep water. Never turn your back on the ocean!
Northern California had a rash of mishaps at the end of 2012, which involved people walking their dogs. The pooches got swept out to sea and the dismayed owners went in after them.
Guess what? The canines made it back, but the owners were lost!
Who would have thought it? Your dog can probably swim better than you can!
As Kauai has now racked up it’s ninth drowning in less than the first three months, I have my fingers crossed that the message is getting out. This is my last posting on the subject, except for one last warning about a natural jacuzzi on the North Shore known as “Queens Bath”. It’s true I have been there more than once, but maintain a clear understanding that you must never let down your guard. Tourists should enjoy the facilities featured at their resort and steer clear of this infamous and seductive honey pot
On a brighter note, there is hardly anything finer than a day at the beach. As the swallows return to Capistrano, so the students are drawn to the beaches of Florida, Texas, and the Gulf Coast. There is some pretty good fun being had in Hawaii too.
Kauai Island : Beautiful, but Deadly.
Spring Break Explosion : Led Zeppelin and the Dodge Charger of Doom
Thanks for reading.