To the editor:
My husband and I live in an oceanfront home in Depoe Bay. I have always lived by the ocean — Newport Beach, Santa Bárbara, San Diego, Alameda, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and now here.
There have always been tourists whom have let their adventure seeking activities turn deadly because of ignorance, stupidity and apathy. Year after year tourists are washed off rocks, slip and fall with no regard for the power of the ocean.
I have assisted in rescues, some successful and others not. Rather than point the finger at our first responders for “failing” to do their job adequately, how about we try to continue to educate the public on the true dangers of their adventure-seeking mindset.
I would like to suggest posting the pictures of the people who have died trying to get that “special” photo or underestimating the force of Mother Nature. People react better to the visceral reminders of the face of someone who is no longer here, rather than a sign that says “Danger Steep and Slippery Rocks”.
I am genuinely sorry for the loss of Steve Allen, but we all need to be better educated and accept responsibility for our actions. First responders dying in an attempt to save someone’s life is not the answer.
I am a semi-retired teacher and have told our adult children and all of my students over the years — never turn your back on the ocean and be cognizant of your own physical abilities to avoid a situation such as this.
— Nicole Yount/Depoe Bay
