image may initially sound strange: a man yelling at teenagers to leave the water because a “square wave” was forming.
But even though “square wave” is an informal name rather than the precise scientific description, the warning itself was reasonable.
A visible cross-sea pattern indicates that different wave systems are interacting. Such conditions can make the water more unpredictable and hazardous, particularly for swimmers and small craft.
The teenagers didn’t need to stand around asking for an explanation while remaining in the water. The safest choice was to get out first and ask questions afterward.
That’s an excellent general rule for ocean safety: when a lifeguard or knowledgeable person warns you about changing water conditions, don’t wait until you fully understand the science before moving to safety.
Why the Ocean Deserves Respect
The ocean can look peaceful one minute and completely different a short time later.
Waves are influenced by
There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.
