Re: Man dies saving boy swept in tide, story, July 22.
I read with much sadness of the death of a man who did what few would do: sacrifice his life attempting to save another person's life. I am a Florida native, retired from the military, and have hundreds of hours of experience in dangerous current waters. Therefore, I feel qualified to say that the death was possibly preventable.
Having surfed and gone swimming on the east coast of Florida for the past 10 years before moving here, I know the dangers these currents present to even the most experienced and strong swimmers. My son and I have rescued many children during that time from rip currents due to just plain bad judgment on the children's parents part, or lack of supervision. Never underestimate the power of the ocean.
My wife and I have been to Honeymoon Island several times since arriving in the area, and we love it. However, we are not deceived by the beauty and are extremely cautious when entering the water.
I know more can be done by the state. All of us should demand more to prevent a tragedy such as this from ever occurring again. Please petition our state representatives to act before another tragedy such as this is repeated. Next time it may be your family attending a funeral.
Mr. Guinta apparently went willingly, without forethought, and with total disregard for his own safety - the purest definition of a hero. May God bless his family and give them the peace that only comes from him. See you in heaven, Mr. Guinta.
-- Randy Williams, Palm Harbor
It's up to us to protect ourselves on the beach
Re: Mother agrees on need for additional warnings at beach, letter, July 28.
It is unfortunate that one of our brave hearts died saving children's lives. My heart goes out to his family. I respond to the fortunate mother of the children involved and to other letter writers who feel perhaps we are not doing enough to make our beaches safe.
I do think it is up to residents to protect themselves. When I was young, it was common practice to keep first aid kits in car glove boxes, and we took it upon ourselves to assume first aid was our responsibility.
I stood by the St. Petersburg Pier at least 25 years ago and watched while marine biologists pulled in sharks weighing hundreds of pounds, tagging them and returning them to the water. That is "friendly" water, with boats, kayaks, sailboats, etc.
I've stood still while a school of stingrays circled me and then swam away, leaving me unharmed at Treasure Island Beach.
I know that a man in a nearby community was killed off his own pier by a shark.
We all need to know that nature is not harnessable. If a current is dangerous beside a warning sign, it is not necessarily safe just because we are 15, 20 or 50 feet farther down the shore. We always need to be alert and on guard. Having a lifeguard on duty does not guarantee that we are safe. Currents don't wait and are variable. Fish bite. Some sea creatures harm or kill.
Residents and tourists, educate and prepare yourselves on how to be relatively safe in the elements and nature. Know what to do if the worst-case scenario develops. Don't put your safety on the line by thinking that the most beautiful beaches in the world do not have their intrinsic dangers, signs or no signs.
-- Judith Durling, Clearwater
[Last modified July 31, 2004, 23:51:23]
