Since most of the people there were probably tourists, how were they to know what a "normal" extreme high or low tide was supposed to be in the area?
The locals should (and some few of them did, apparently) know better.
When was the last time that area had one though? I'd better know one having had marine science in college *lol*
Yeah, you have to wonder if tourists in Maine or Nova Scotia are going to wig this summer if they're on the shore and see the tide screaming out 15 feet or something.
Even leaving aside my weird obsession with the physical sciences and tsunami documentaries from well before the Sumatran tsunami, because I do a lot of saltwater fishing I'd notice an unusual tide, and also since I have a saltwater reef tank I'd know that those coral heads aren't typically TOTALLY exposed to that extent.
True. I'm basing my musings on my knowledge of US east and west coast beaches. But even after 10 minutes on an unfamiliar beach, one would have an idea of what's normal for that beach. If low tide arrives instantaneously, it should be obvious. Anyway.....I'm beating a dead horse. Gotta go make my panic run to the grocery store before the snow comes.