Man killed by freak wave
Just to remind us that WAVES can be dangerous whether you are an extreme sports enthusiast or not - and should be treated with respect.
A man has drowned after he was dragged into the sea by a freak wave.
The victim was sitting on some steps off Blackpool Promenade late on Friday night with two friends when he was hit by the wave and dragged into the sea.
I live near the sea and there are drownings every year when the wind changes, and when drunken tourists who rarely swim ignore the warning flags.
There are spots along the coast that have lethal undertows for the inexperienced - obviously these are great surfing spots because the waves get big - but people die every year because they do not heed the basic warning signs.
I was with a friend at a local beach near Cape Trafalgar - he took one look at the waves and said "I'm not going in - I don't want to put myself in a position where I have to wave good bye to my friends and family as I am dragged out to sea"
I regard him as a very strong swimmer - much much better than me - and I also regard him as a man with common sense.
I didn't go in.
He is a sensible bloke - but we average 2-5 drownings a month off of Cape Tragalgar - mostly tourists from the city who rarely swim.
People should NOT leave their common sense behind when they go to the beach - especially if they swim little or not at all - the sea is not your local municipal pool.
Respect the waves - respect the sea - and most of all - respect your own abilities.
Then enjoy the beach, the sun and the surf.
After all - that's what its there for.
Tags: extreme sports extreme tales surfing kite surfing wind surfing free diving