When the Tide is low

At some parts of the world, the water level during low tide and the high tide can exceed three meters. It would be unwise to walk too far offshore during low tide because when you want to return to shore, you may have to swim instead, as by then the water level may be above your head. You may be able to swim back but the current may be very swift. People have lost their life because when they walked offshore the tide was low. When they wanted to return the tide was high. Only those who were able to swim could make it. Again the current may be stronger than the swimmers. You cannot expect life guards to be on all public beaches, nor can you expect warning sign boards to be erected at those dangerous spots. The most serious drowning history ever recorded in Asia happened in the area connecting Tibet and India. In 1199 CE Muhammad Bakhtyar, after conquering India, was on his way to invade Tibet, when bad weather conditions forced him to retreat. He and his army perished while trying to cross a river because of sudden flood. In Asia especially at the mountainous regions, the river water level may be very low. However, during the monsoon season, if you happen to be caught during a thunder storm, and torrential rains, within an hour water level can rise many meters. Another incident I heard about drowning happened on Saturday, Oct.13, 2007. Four of the passengers were confirmed dead and three were missing. This sort of ferry accident happens every year, not just in one particular country, but global. People still don’t bother to prevent these accidents from happening. When you must travel by ship from point A to point B, find out from the captain if there are enough life jackets to go round should there be an emergency. See the jackets for yourself, not just believe him. Many captains will tell you there are enough jackets to go round and that they are locked up at certain places. It is not true. He does not lose anything by making the jackets visible. He can promise you the moon and the planets. Another good idea when you need to travel by sea is to buy an inflatable jacket and put it in your bag. Inflatable jacket is the best choice because it occupies little space when it is not inflated. During you next trip by ship, have a good look at the ship you are going to board. Is it well maintained? Is it too old to be safe? Decide whether or not to board by yourself.