HOUSTON – In my professional life, I work at KPRC in Houston, where I’ve had the opportunity to tell stories that matter — some light, others deeply personal. Over the years, I’ve written feature pieces about grief, resilience, and what it means to hold onto hope when life gets hard. I also run a nonprofit that’s incredibly close to my heart, born out of personal loss and a desire to help families facing pediatric cancer.
And here’s something most people don’t know: I’m also a certified PADI Rescue Diver.
I’ve trained to respond when things go wrong in the water — to stay calm under pressure, assist panicked swimmers, and help people make it home safely. I’ve always respected the ocean. I’ve spent time in it, studied it, and trusted that I knew what I was doing.
But I’ve made a decision: I’m not swimming in the ocean from the beach anymore. That shallow entry point is often the most dangerous.
Not out of fear. Out of experience. Out of respect for just how unpredictable and unforgiving the ocean has become.
We’ve seen too many tragedies lately. The recent loss of Malcolm-Jamal Warner is one that hit particularly hard. He was on vacation with his family in Costa Rica, enjoying a day at the beach — something millions of people do every year. But a powerful current took him. No warning. No recklessness. Just gone.
The truth is, the ocean doesn’t care who you are. It doesn’t care how strong of a swimmer you are. It doesn’t care what training you’ve had. It doesn’t care that you’ve been there a hundred times before.
I still love the ocean. But I respect it enough now to know where the line is for me.
So here’s what I hope others will remember the next time they’re at the beach:
Beach Safety Matters — Every Time
Swim near a lifeguard. If there’s no lifeguard on duty, stay out of the water. That’s not overcautious — that’s smart.
Don’t swim alone. Even in shallow water. Even if you think it’s “just a quick dip.” Always have someone nearby who can help or get help.
Pay attention to warning flags. Beach flag systems are there for a reason. Red means danger. Yellow means caution. Green doesn’t mean “safe” — it just means “conditions are better, but stay alert.”
Know what a rip current looks like. They’re not always obvious. Watch for water that looks darker, foamy, or flowing away from the shore. If you’re caught in one, don’t fight it — swim parallel to the shore until you’re out of it.
Avoid alcohol before swimming. Even one drink can impair your judgment and slow your reaction time. Save it for after you’re back on dry land.
Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right — if the waves look different, the current feels strong, or you just have a weird feeling — listen to that. It’s okay to sit one out.
I’m not sharing this to scare anyone away from the beach. I’m sharing it so more people get to walk away from it safely. The beach is still beautiful. The sound of the waves is still calming. But I no longer need to be in the ocean to enjoy it.
I’ll be the one on the shore, soaking it in from a safe distance.
Please be safe out there. The ocean is powerful, and it doesn’t play fair.
