Calm Water--Danger or Death!
The Tohe (90 mile beach) is a west coast surf beach, and very rarely have we seen gentle waves lapping upon the shore--when we do it is a shock!!! Usually there are breakers rolling in with white tops.
If you are looking for a place to swim and see a place where there are no waves and the water looks calm, don't be fooled! These areas are usually rips and if you are caught in one, you can be taken out to sea.
To get out of one, swim parallel to the shore until you don't feel yourself being pulled out. Do not try and swim into shore when you are caught in the rip.
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Watch Children AT ALL TIMES When by Water
Watch children at all times when in or by the water.
If you have babies who are crawling, watch them at all times when in or by the water.
We have seen parents with their babies crawling along but not really watching them.
We have seen babies swept out by a sweep.
A baby is nothing to a sweep as a sweep can take cars.
A sweep is a wave that comes from no where and sweeps in then out, taking all in it's path. Although you may be 2m from the water mark, a sweep can come in and move easily 10 to 20m from the water mark. The shallow water or no water can become deep. Swift, powerful and strong, with no mercy.
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Shut Your Mouth When Going Down Dunes!!!
When going down the dunes, if you yell too much, you may find that you have a mouthful of sand, and it can take a while to get that crunchy feeling out of your mouth.