During beach season, when the surf lifesavers are on patrol, you are advised to swim between the flags. That's usually a good idea unless you're really keen on discovering what a rip current is really like.
Another beach danger, usually during times of high winds, are blue bottles, also known as Portuguese Man of War jellies. The bubble part floats on the currents, it's the tentacles that'll get you. Contrary to popular belief, you don't pee on jelly fish stings. Ice is the best cure. That or just paying attention in the first place. Haven't been stung yet... really hoping not to have that Aussie experience.
When talking with friends and family, I realize what is probably most challenging is trying to picture what it looks like here. I'm going to try to do a few visual entries to try to help. Of course, one obvious topic would be the beach. It's pretty amazing, the beaches just go on and on here for miles. And so far, the spirit has been to keep them a community resource, rather than selling them off to the highest bidder. I hope this spirit holds.
Anyhow, here's my first visual series. These are some images of waves. I think I could watch waves for hours. Unless of course the sand is blowing too, that can be a problem.
Pop culture moment—the trend these days it to make lists of things you need to see and do before you die. I definitely advocate running on the beach, but mostly for the joy and tranquility, not because it's some sort of condensed soup for your soul.