To the Editor:
The incident at Long Point on Friday is a heartbreaking reminder that the ocean is incredibly dangerous. The beach that runs along the entire south coast of the Island fronts the open sea, the North Atlantic Ocean. As magnificently seductive as this beach is, a swimmer there must anticipate the possibility of life-threatening circumstances arising in an instant, with the horrifying panic that may accompany it.
If you go, please be sure that anyone in your group who goes into the water is a strong swimmer who knows how to deal with rip currents, concussive waves, hidden rocks (particularly in Chilmark), and unknown currents of ocean that may not only sweep you deep very quickly, but may also prevent you from comfortably returning to shore. Unimaginably, as “Jaws” warns us, it can mercilessly pull you down.
Dusty Burke
Oak Bluffs
