This is a horrible tragedy.

Have been watching reports up the East Coast re: dozens of water rescues and one reported death thus far due to the extreme waves and water conditions.....this sounds like another tragedy waiting to be confrmed and must be agonizing for this little girls family....will be watching for updates but too bad people takes senseless chances with Mother Nature just to "see" something....:(

I see you dirty Lew......

so sad, We were there this morning and it was a zoo, 1hour and 15 minutes to drive by thunderhole, BACKED UP ABOUT 3 MILES its a wonder somebody was not hit on the road the way the arrogant people were crossing the road, kids running out from parked cars, no parents with them...a complete mess there this morning...and by the way, we were there yesterday too, and the GATES WERE LOCKED AND ALL THE FOREIGN TOURISTS WERE CROSSING OVER THE GATE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM.....AS THE PARK RANGERS STOOD THERE AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS........NICE....each year a tragic event happens in the park, last year was the woman on the cell, holding her poodle, talking away as her daughter sat on the rocks and watched her mom swept out to sea by a hugh wave...

Remeber brooks10 tourists get to be "ignored" I am sure they got to get some rocks too before they left and bring them home. The rangers don't care much, seen it many times and one of the big reasons why i really don't go there much. I was thinking of checking out that area but thought by the time I got there it would be either a zoo, or smartly enough the place wouid have been closed.

I watched the Weather Channel last night and the reporter actually advised people to go to Thunder Hole to watch the Surf!! Could not believe it!!!

We thought it would be fun to go to Thunder Hole today to check out the storm surf. We got there at around 2:30 pm and were re-routed because the Loop was closed due to 'rescue operations.' We did manage to see the surf at Compass Harbor, however. We were on those rocks for about 30 seconds when I said "I'm outta here."

I have observed many times people climbing down to the rocks next to the surf where it's dangerous at Thunder Hole. A wave will crash over them and they think it's funny. The Rangers have a lackadaisical attitude, as noted by brooks at 4:47 and ydnar at 4:56 pm. I guess they figure that adults are responsible for themselves, and when they climb over the guard rails they're acknowledging that they are taking their lives into their own hands. To think that a child may have been lost this way is very, very sad and upsetting.

I do think the Rangers could do more to keep people off the rocks when it's dangerous. Isn't it their job to protect the public? On a day like this the Loop probably should have been closed altogether, but then again hindsight's 20/20.

During the winter storm's the ranger's are quick to close the short section of the Ocean Drive that is all that's left open. The mention of a winter storm and it is shut. I guess it all depends as to what they think is lucrative and beneficial for the season. It is too bad many people lose their lives especially ones that are led to believe this state is just a fun park for their use. The eventual action from the death's and rescues will be the clamp put on those from away and also the locals to not do this or do that under the law. We know it is extreme here in Maine during the winter and unpredictable so we do not go out hunting or hiking in our swim suit. The same can be said for the Atlantic Ocean during a storm, in the winter or summer, logic just says in ones brain stay out of its reach, there is no coming back from death.

It's pretty sad that everyone here is making assumptions about what happened at Thunder Hole today. I've lived here my whole life and everyone goes there when there's a big storm. Where these people were was completely dry so they weren't pushing their luck by going out on the rocks. A rogue wave struck and they were swept out. I was there, the Rangers were telling people to stay off the rocks and were constantly telling people what to do. Saying they are lazy is a slap in the face to the beautiful park that millions of people visit every year and provide jobs to many people. Instead of complaining about the services and the where the people were standing, why don't you instead say a prayer for the families affected whose lives have been turned upside down.

I know I am going to get some flak for this, but its not the ranger's job to protect STUPID people.

People with just a little bit of common sense should know to keep themselves and especially their children clear of danger. Unfortunately, the parents in this case are the one's who failed miserably in their duties. I know it sounds cruel but I sincerely hope that they are prosecuted for the death of their child. It is disturbing to think that the parent or guardian would let a child of that age so close to the waters edge.

The people who think that the rangers should have made it safer for the gawkers at Thunder Hole are probably the same type to think its logical that a restaurant should be held accountable when a customer spills hot coffee in their own lap because the restaurant served the beverage too hot!

thechampisbeer...catch a clue....your comments were removed earlier for a reason....they are inapproptiate and insensitive....if the BDN removed them once, don't yeah think they will remove them again....reversing the order of the words in your post makes no difference.

downeastdave, i agree whole hearthedly.

what a tragic accident, however the rangers are not these unfortunate peoples nannys. i think the time is forever gone where people are responsible for their own actions.

This is so tragic. I hope they locate the missing people but with the length of time and temperature of water, it is not promising. People had been warned, there and up and down the coast , to stay away from the water. Unfortunately, these warnings were not heeded by some. So sad.

I have to agree with acadian. That section of the road should have been closed off period. No one in. It is a tragedy for all invovled but come on people, use some common sense. Stay well away from the surf. Stay up on the road, you can still see the surf from there. Rouge wave or not, it doesn't matter. Also, rumor has it around town (Bar Harbor) all are acounted for, the little girl, and I stress this is the story going around, has a broken arm and is pretty banged up. Maybe BDN will have an update to either prove or disprove this rumor.

I hope all are OK

How rude that some thing only "foreigh tourists" were watching the water ... there were plenty of locals there too. I

Not a place I wanted to be but I know several who went to watch.

I thought all week about going back to Schoodic Point on Sunday (went there LAST Sunday and the water was the most calm I've ever seen it, literally no waves) .. I bet it would have been unreal today .. kicking myself for not going .. however, the people who were swept out to sea were of their own fault, not that of the rangers .. there were plenty of warnings, and I know the rangers would have been advising people to use extreme caution .. when you go on the rocks, you do so at your own risk ..

Could this be why life flight was at the ball field in Bar Harbor this afternoon?

Couldn't agree more with you DowneastDave!! And I don't care if they are local folks or those from away, this is not the fault of the park rangers!! I spent a few hours down at Camp Ellis in Saco today, not the most amazing storm I've ever seen by any means, but impressive none the less. You can not hold the rangers responsible for people being dumb enough to get to close and thus being swept off the rocks and out to sea. Or even worse swept off the rocks and slammed back into the rocks by heavy surf. My thoughts are with this little girl, who I'm sure didn't know the danger, but the adults with her sure did!!

6:12 pm, I agree with you mostly, downeastdave. But, wouldn't you also agree that there are a lot more stupid people than smart people, i.e., don't stupid people constitute "the public"? How hard is it to close off or rope off the area, for chri-ssfrikkin-sake? It doesn't take a genius to see this kind of thing coming. The National Parks Service has like a gazillion lawyers writing policy for them. I would think this type of thing is a no-brainer. It all just seems so sad and unnecessary.

Sad thing is these people were warned to get back but would not listen-there were folks screaming at them to get back but for some reason they thought they knew better. I guess the park rangers should risked their life according to some of the knuckleheads here. If you don't respect the ocean you die.

waldocountyguy that is what the national news was reporting too.

Anne I know what you are saying, but I don't know I'd go as far to say that the stupid are in the majority. It seems to me that they can post signs, fence off things, and make it harder to access dangerous areas. However, there are STILL people who will ignore all the warnings and do foolish things. Which brings me to another point, I don't want our society to get to the mindset where we have to be protected from everything. Sure, we could close the park for the hurricane. But, those of us who want to (safely) appreciate the power and fury of mother nature might miss the opportunity.

I am sad that this was an innocent child who should have been protected by her parent. If it was an adult... my reponse as harsh as it seems would be... oh well Darwins law in effect

how sad! but isnt there a HUGE sign as you walk down to thunder hole that says NO SWIMMING! COULD RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DEATH? i am pretty sure there is.

Hurricane wave sweeps Maine spectators out to sea

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Slideshow:Tropical Storms and Hurricanes Play Video Video:Bill Batters East Coast ABC News Play Video Video:Hurricane Losing Steam, But Red Flags Still Stand CBS 2 New York AP – People watch as water breaches a rock wall at Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, Canada, Sunday, August 23, 2009. … By JASON BRONIS, Associated Press Writer Jason Bronis, Associated Press Writer – 35 mins ago

EDGARTOWN, Mass. – A large wave fueled by Hurricane Bill swept spectators out to sea at a Maine park Sunday as the storm-churned surf attracted onlookers and daredevils along the Eastern Seaboard.

A man, a woman and a 7-year-old girl were pulled from the sea near Acadia National Park, Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Shane Coxon said, and rescue crews were searching for others believed to be lost in the waves.

"This is absolutely the effects of Hurricane Bill" coupled with the effect of high tide, park ranger Sonya Berger said.

The girl was unresponsive when she was rescued, the woman appeared to have a broken leg and the man had a previous heart condition that appeared to be acting up, Coxon said.

The hurricane was also blamed for the death of a 54-year-old swimmer Saturday in Florida. Volusia County Beach Patrol Capt. Scott Petersohn said Angel Rosa of Orlando was unconscious when he washed ashore in rough waves fueled by Bill at New Smyrna Beach, along the central Florida coast. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Lifeguards there also rescued a handful of other swimmers believed to have suffered spinal injuries.

The center of the hurricane was about 400 miles west-southwest of Newfoundland late Sunday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center. Its maximum sustained winds had dropped to 75 mph, and it was moving northeast at 35 mph. The storm is expected to continue to lose strength as it moves over cooler waters.

The three rescued in Maine were part of an early afternoon crowd of thousands who lined the national park's rocky shoreline to watch the high surf and crashing waves.

James Kaiser of Bar Harbor was taking photographs when he heard shouts that people had been swept into the 55-degree water at the park's Thunder Hole, a popular tourist attraction where waves often crash into a crevasse and make a thundering sound while splashing high in the air.

"I could see two people's heads bobbing in the water," Kaiser said. He said he thought they would be bounced back to shore because the waves were coming in so hard but that instead the current took them away from shore.

Kaiser said many people didn't even move when they were splashed by the waves and instead seemed to laugh it off.

Others on shore suffered minor injuries after being knocked to the rocks by the waves, Acadia National Park Chief Ranger Stuart West said.

The search on the water for others believed to be missing was due to be called off at sunset, West said. The waves were running 10 to 12 feet high with 25-knot winds along the coast, Coxon said.

Along Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast, the storm delivered steady downpours and fierce winds, forcing flight cancellations and temporary road closings. Bill ripped branches

I have heard three completely different news reports from BDN, ABC national news and WLBZTV local news. ABC said twelve people were washed into the ocean, WLBZ said three and all were rescued and are going to be OK. WLBZ said that all were accounted for and the rescue was called off. Both ABC and WLBZ mentioned the girl and said she was only seven. These news reporters need to get their facts straight. It sounds like they are all operating on hearsay.

My husband and I were at the sand beach when the high tides started coming in. People were standing in the water as the high waves were coming in closer and closer. The park rangers and life guards were trying to get the people up the stairs but others more kept coming down to see the waves.

As we were leaving we were trying to tell people that they were closing the beach but they didn't listen. We continued to Thunder Hole as the ambulances were on their way by that time. Cars had pulled to the right and parked and the traffic came to a halt in the left lane. Workers were clearing the left lane so that the emergency vehicles could get through. At that time there were still people out on the rocks and the rangers were trying to get them back. People were standing on the ocean edge of the road and then were asked to move to the land side out of the road. We did do as asked, and were watching as the Coast Guard pulled some people out of the water. There was cheering and clapping when they rescued them. We were then asked to start clearing the area and we were some of the first to leave. At that time it was orderly and people were doing as asked. The Rangers were doing their best for crowd control under a very difficult situation. What started out for us as a day away from home turned into a very emotional day when we realized the tremendous power of the ocean and how short life can be.

There is NO such thing as a "rogue wave" on the day a hurricane passes through.

It sounds like ANP was unprepared to handle the crowd and keep everyone safe. We are all well aware of the number of people who die there every year. The average park visitor has no idea that anyone has ever been swept away.

The whole thing is very sad. :( This brings back memories of a friend's daugther who died not far from there, at Otter Cliffs, many years ago when she fell on some wet rocks, hit her head and fell into the ocean. Unfortunately, accidents happen. :( I was on Sand Beach years ago when a hurricane was coming through and it was amazing to watch.... amazing and dangerous. A day of fun can so often turn into a day of tragedy.

I think the rangers are doing an excellent job ... I was at Schoodic Point yesterday and people were actually arguing with the rangers when they asked them to move back. One ranger told someone "I cannot save you if you get washed in!" People have got to take some responsibility for themselves ... can't always plead ignorance!!

Still is unclear if all were rescued. Let's hope that is the case and all are accounted for. There have been such varying accounts.

I was at Seawall just before high tide today. The rangers had closed it, yet people still walked up onto the beach. Several times the rangers announced for people to get off the seawall as it was a closed area. Some people did leave the area. But some people did NOT. Short of forcing them, I'm not sure what else they can do. Perhaps they should be held responsible for rescue costs they may incur for their poor choices. It's tragic that what happened at Thunderhole. I understand there were over a thousand people there. How could a bunch of rangers possibly control where everyone stood in such an open area?

A 7-year-old girl who was pulled from the sea near Acadia National Park later died, and a 54-year-old swimmer died after washing ashore unconscious Saturday in Florida, authorities said.

The girl, her father and a 12-year-old girl were all plucked from the water by rescuers. The man and his daughter are from New York City, Acadia National Park Chief Ranger Stuart West said. The other girl is from Belfast, Maine, and is not related to them, West said. He would not release their names.

HORRIBLE JUST HORRIBLE

It really bothers me that people automatically need to blame someone for a tragedy. What ever happened to "it was an accident". Granted all accidents can be avoided, but face it, we as a society are not going to lock ourselves up in our homes so nothing happens to us. We were going to Thunder Hole ourselves today and, thankfully, were not there when this happened. We always go to Acadia National Park when storms have created a high surf. Yes, people who are unaware of the danger, or who want to take a risk, duck under the gates and disobey the signs. However, MOST people stand well away from the surf and just watch in awe the tremendous, beautiful power of mother nature. As bhgirl said, and remember SHE WAS THERE, the area they were in was DRY. That would mean, to even the most "intelligent" person, that it was a safe distance from harm. We were at Thunder Hole during Hugo and we were standing on the sidewalk when a rogue wave came and soaked us. We learned then that a safe distance from the surf is 10 times what you would think it should be. Unless someone has experienced that, they would beleive that the road is a safe place to stand. From everything we saw and heard today, this was handled very professionally and appeared to follow an emergency action plan. LifeFlight was on standby nearby, rangers were at every entrance to turn people around, the flow of traffic was better then most busy days in Bar Harbor, and the public themselves seemed to accept that they needed to make other plans for the day. The worst thing about this whole thing is that a 7 yr old girl has lost her life. If they were standing where the rangers said was safe, then no one is to blame. It is just a terrible, tragic accident. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, the people who witnessed it, and those brave rescuers who risked their own lives for strangers.

I was at the scene with my family Sunday afternoon and it was a spectacular site to admire from a safe distance. The entrance to Thurnder Hole was closed and a significant area between Sand Beach and Thunder Hole was staked off with string (though many walked off the beaten path).

We watched as the waves grew bigger and splashed closer on an open trail along the woods, just past Thunder Hole. We warned new comers to keep their distance and avoid wet rocks as it was unsafe. Just minutes before the "Rogue" wave hit, several Rangers in our area told us to move up to the side walk area; the majority of viewers followed instructions. Just momments before relocating, we witnessed a wedding proposal. Enough excitement, we decided it was time to leave the area all together and head into town for lunch. Cars were parked in the right lane back to Sand Beach and past Thunder Hole. Traffic in the left lane was moving very slowly due the large number of viewers now on the sidewalk.

Once driving away, a Ranger's siren could be heard approaching. We saw a young teenage boy wearing a Belfast #5 sports T-shirt, jeans and socks soaked from head to toe, but missing his shoes. He was in an obvious state of shock quickly walking towards Sand Beach all alone. Unable to stop, as emergency crews were trying to get through behind us, we pressed on and pulled over past Thunder Hole to advise a Ranger of the distraught boy we had seen.

In such a large crowd with limited access, it could have been helpful to use a local radio broadcast to inform people of possible hazzards or to clear the way for emergency vehicles. Also, Rangers could have been better equiped with megaphones to communicate warnings to the large crowd.

The families, Rangers and rescuers have been in our prayers all day.

Ya. It's not the ranger's fault directly, but common sense dictates that when dangerous conditions exist (100' high spray from waves), the authorities hve a responsibility to consider the condtions and deal with it. Otherwise people would be dropping into the Grand Canyon on a regular basis and sliding off the face of El Capitan or boiling their hands at Yellowstone.

People in general do not understand the immense power of water, either in the ocean (rip currents for example) or in rivers. Those that do understand, should post the necessary precautions to keep others from getting hurt (ie., thin ice). But that don't fit the political bent of some, now, does it?

Not tragic. Stupid. The girl's parents are the ones to blame. People routinely let children go too close to the edge of the drop at Thunder Hole to pose for pics. Dumb, and dumber. Don't blame the authorities.

Way to go Acadia Rangers... If i knew there was 20 foot waves i would let people sit by thunder hole..... bunch of idiots just looking for that quick buck.. leave the park open so people will get hurt... hey what hurricane??? Man it must feel good for this state to have the only death associated with this hurricane.... And as for this poor poor girl and her family, may they find comfort. Its not up to parents to monitor the storm while on a national park.. last i heard there are alot of people getting paid big bucks to watch it... maybe someone will lose their job over this.... WHAT A SHAME>>>

what a zoo it was there yesterday, and all the people down on the rocks, of course there going to get swept off..I was there on saturday too and the gates at thunderhole were locked, and rangers standing there at the top of the stairs, and people were going around and under the gates to get to the bottom of thunderhole......and the rangers did or said nothing to stop them.....nice...see what happens

Ok- how many reports were made for days ahead of this storm that the water was going to be dangerous with high seas? I feel back for the children that are affected by their families stupidity. But I also feel bad for the coast guard that risked their lives to rescue this fools and have to drag a childs dead body from the water- absolutely senseless and totally preventable. For crying out loud, people slip into the water at thunderhole when it is a calm sunny day, why do they think it was safer when there was bad weather?

when the news, the park rangers, the police tell you, to stay out of the water, to stay away from thunder hole which they actally have blocked off in previous bad storms, just because of people being swept out to sea, THEY MEAN IT!!! there not just warning us all, for the fun of it. seems like every few years somebody doesnt listen and takes their chances to see the big surf, and what happens? this sort of thing, which is sorrow, for all involved. why the park didnt close down, has left me wondering if all these accidents couldnt have been avoided, and a life saved.if people arent going to listen to the authorities, than what choice does the park system have left? keep it open, people get hurt, close it, people live. it,s a sad day in a beautiful place, when the waves, the rocks, and mother nature claim another victim. i,m truely sorrry for the parents of the little girl, i,m truely sorry the park didnt take stronger stands in allowing people into a place, where they allow people to make bad judgement calls, could of been a different out come, next time acadia close the parks!!!!

I agree with many of you and I do not blame the park rangers. People will do what they shouldn't do and it doesn't take someone else to tell me if I should be in a dangerous area or not. It is painful to see a tragedy like this that was so avoidable! The adult supervision in this case did NOT make the right choice. But again, it is not the rangers' responsibility as folks will simply go somewhere else they shouldn't be to witness the fury of such and storm and the sea. I have experienced hurricanes and tornadoes--not something I want to go stand outside in a vulnerable place to see the full strength of nature.

not park rangers fault, unfortunatly people are so quick to blame others, i wasnt there but sounds like to me some comman sense would of been nice to have. rougue waves happen regular during storms just another example blame someone else cause im dumb.

any time ive been to acadia park i felt the rangers done a fine job. dont pull the cats tail and think you wont get scratched

Brooks10: The wave that swept the woman out to sea holding her poodle last year happened at Schoodic Point which is also part of Acadia but is nowhwere near

(its back on the mainland) the event being described in this article.

I have gone many times to Schoodic Point during a big blow (its much closer to East Machias where I'm from than Thunder Hole) to watch the pounding surf like the people above who flocked to Thunder Hole. It is a magnificent sight to see, for sure.

However, you don't have to get up close and personal to witness an event like that. Common sense dictates where you view the spectacle from. Why people insist on getting so close to a natural event that can not be controlled is beyond me.

An horrific event to be sure, but one that could have been prevented with a little common sense.

mattcarbone, sorry, didn't realize the "English" police were in attendance. "you're"...........are you happy now?

I was there yesterday as well. I am a photographer and wanted to take some pictures of the surf. It was a zoo. I watched several people being extremely rude to the rangers when they asked them to move a safe distance from the water. I spoke to one ranger and thanked her for trying to keep the public safe. She looked like she was extremely stressed and said, "I'm not doing a very good job. No one's listening and people are getting hurt." From what I witnessed, the rangers were doing there absolute best in a very difficult situation. I don't know who had the audacity to say they were lazy, but they were all working extremely hard under difficult conditions. Someone also stated that they should have roped off the thunder hole. They did and people were climbing over and going around the ropes. You can't rope off miles and miles of coastline. There are many ways to walk into the park and to go into the areas that are not safe. I witnessed people doing all of these things yesterday.

I'm sad for the little girl and her family and my condolences go to them, but it was a terrible, tragic accident. The rangers are definitely not to blame. I'm sure this little girls parents are beating themselves up over the choices yesterday, but hindsight is 20/20. My thoughts and prayers are with this family.

I was there yesterday at sand beach and thunder hole. The lifeguards at sand beach were very attentive and proactive in keeping people out of the water and out of harms way. We witnessed a rouge wave at the beach and were at the back where the sand dunes were-and got wet. We were advised to leave.

We then drove up to thunderhole and witnessed the scene there. There were signs posted-thunderhole was gated off-there were thousands of people.

My husband-and others-began helping the rangers with the traffic issue to allow the emergency vehicles through. The gates were prompty closed to the park. THe coast guard did an amazing rescue-it is a miracle the two people survived and weren't bashed to pieces against the rocks or drown!

How about a little praise for the excellent job of dealing with a horrible situation in the best possible way? THere was no way to know the severity of the waves of a cat 1 hurricane off shore. The rangers were at no fault keeping the park open-nor could they have prevented the wave from taking those people. It was a high,dry flat rock away from the ocean edge. People unfamiliar with the ocean can not be blamed. People weren't being stupid-it was a crazy fluky wave. I have seen hurricane waves hit the street of ocean drive in October---so this was much less severe. With the amount of people there-being midday in August on a sunday- we are fortunate no further injuries occured. The rangers did a great job. They were there in great numbers and did the best they could. Close the park? Why? There was no foreseeing this. My heart goes out to the litle girl's family.....

Wow, people are sure hot about this. While I consider the use of the conjunction (by the BDN in the print addition) to be extremely insensitive, I agree with those folks who say this is an accident.

I have often sat on Whale Rock (In Lubec) to watch storms come in. I have observed tourists who wandered too close to the edge, and have advised them to "watch the waves" some have thanked me and moved back, still others have given me dirty looks and moved closer to the edge. Because our ocean is not used heavily by swimmers or surfers it is not common knowledge (except among people who work out there) that this Ocean is dangerous.

I strongly believe Darwin's principle should be accepted. Free means free to make bad choices.

Scullern, I agree with most of what you have said, but I have a bone to pick, you said "There was no foreseeing this"..........well I would disagree....There were 75mph winds off shore, the NWS warned of 15-20ft waves, the parks service roped off the area in question (at least that is what is being reported), many signs up, all the news stations were reporting the high surf........ah and the fact that there were "thousands of people" would lead me to believe that most if not all people that were there new there was a chance of waves like this happening..........hense the reason 99.9% of the people actually being there. However was the area where these people were standing not blocked off? I would like to know, because if this is true, I would like to apologize.

How sad and avoidable this was. My ex was making noise about taking our child to Bar Harbor to see the waves on Sunday and for whatever reason they didn't go and I was so relieved.

picking bones is silly.

most people are not listening to national weather service details. An off shore hurricane is expected to stir big waves. Thunder hole was gated. Seal Harbor beach was roped. Hard to close off miles of coastline. It could have been national park or roadside coast on the island. Like I said-more severe storms have passed through here with MUCH bigger waves. One killer wave is hard to foresee.

Here's video of the 47' Coast Guard from Station SW Harbor rescuing the two people.

Watch it and tell me that ANP acted in the best interest of public safety by keeping the road open.

This tragedy was predictable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAfnaM-k-hY

The 47' is the self righting, heavy weather boat.

While I agree that it wasn't the park rangers fault I still say they should have closed the park loop road from the toll booth on. Yes, this is tragic. As for those who would have been "pissed" to travel all this way to find the park loop road closed, too bad. Safety comes first. That is being selfish and irresponsible.

For those of you stating that the park should have been closed, not everyone that was visiting the park that day went to see the waves. Thousands of people were utilizing the hiking trails, the carrage road, Cadillac Mountian road, and the other wonderful things there are to do in our beautiful, nearly 50,000 acre park. Acadia National Park is not the only place in Maine that the waves were spectacular yesterday. Do you propose that the state of Maine should have closed the entire coastline?? Not at all possible in ANY situation. Warnings, both verbal and posted, were given. That should be enough and if not, then tragedy will and can strike. . I can bet my life that the parents of that little girl would turn back time if they could. Lord knows we have all made decisions and actions that we have regretted later. Again, our prayers and thoughts are with ALL those that were involved.Rest in peace little angel.

I was not talking about closing the WHOLE park, just the section of Ocean Drive from the toll booth (just before Sand Beach) to Otter Cliffs Rd (Otter Cliffs). Yes I live here on MDI and if they closed the section of Rt 102A near Seawall they could have closed this section of road too. People would have had to walk in instead of driving, but then ANP wouldn't have gotten their money at the booth.

7 years old is just a baby... we had my 6 year old there last month for the first time. I can't begin to imagine what the little girl's family is going through... rest in peace little one. :(

This little girl loosing her life on what I am sure was a day that she was truly enjoying, is too sad for words. Our family was at Thunder Hole last summer. Very calm day. We left after only about 10 minutes because my 12 year old son would not listen to me stay and off the far rocks near the surf. It was driving me crazy, one slip and that would be it. I hear it was a rogue wave that swept these people off the rocks. Still, it's too dangerous a situation to ever put yourself or your children in. A huge tragedy in a beautiful place.

ANP is responsible for crowd control. The crowds were very large (thousands or tens of thousands)and a very bad storm was on the way. The Park Loop Road should have been closed from the early a.m. and warnings/rangers posted in a pro-active way at many strategic spots along the Loop. The National Park Service needs to get on board with knowing their visitors as othershave posted. The average visitor is not savvy about his own safety and assume that it is OK to do anything in a National Park if there are no vigorouswarnings numerously posted. Couple this with brash disregard for authority orlackof an outdoorsman's common sense and bad things are going to happen. In the CT/NY/NJ area, the beaches were closed since Friday and it was all over the news, ANP should have been ready for this on Saturday

Had they closed Ocean Drive like they should have and had the authorities on duty to arrest anyone who crossed over into the 'closed' area this tragedy likely would've never happened. Pretty simple. How they ever allowed thousands of people in that area to watch what a hurricane can do is beyond me. Guess some people saw what a hurricane can do - at the expense of a beautiful little girl.

Wouldn't you think people especially with children would stay away from the area when hurricane conditions are occurring. What is wrong with parents these days willing to risk the lives of children this way. If adults want to do this more power to them. Look at the lives that they endangered to do this, kids and the rescue people. All because they do not have the commen sense of a knat.

IHeartMaine, from what has been said there were "vigourus" warnings and psoted..........both verble and written. I am still interested to find out how many people were on these rocks and if these rocks were part of the area that was verbally of limits and also posted with written warnings.

People need to use common sense and I don't think some of the vistors did this.

Also you mentioned beaches were closed, well that had to do with rip tides and usually when one goes to the beach they go in the water. When people go to thunder hole they are not there to go into the water. And if they had heeded the apparent warnings they would not have ended up in the water.

If you stayed where you were told there would have been no risk.

I have been to Thunder Hole many times and have always been amazed at the sheer stupidity of many people who visit there. In calm weather, they go out too far. In rough seas, they go out too far. I've seen idiots climb right over or walk around the closed gate. There is no such thing as a "rogue wave" in a hurricane; high seas are the expected condition, nothing "rogue" about it. I feel terrible for the parents or guardians who were stupid enough to allow their child to put herself in danger. They will have to live with the horrible responsibility for ending their child's life, but the responsibility is theirs and theirs alone. How sad. Hopefully others with learn from this truly tragic situation and respect the ocean and all aspects of nature, at all times, in all conditions.

What saddens me about this tragic loss is to keep seeing posted here that the Rangers are lax with regard to their duties. That tourists were just arrogant with their conduct and people were allowed to be at risk. What are they getting paid for? To stand around and socialize or people watch? While hind sight might be 20/20, they aren't stupid, they are trained (one would think) to assess the situation and enforce proper behaviors. Apparently this little girl was depending on someone else's judgement and apparently it cost her, her life. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that people shouldn't be allowed to go over the edges to view this dangerous area. It's been a long time since I have been to Thunder Hole but I knew better even as a kid not to get too close. Think about the tragedy of that family, knowing they had no control over that situation and the life of their daughter was in the hands of someone else (the older gentleman and the Rangers) and then put at risk because of a choice to be somewhere that could have been regulated by the Rangers had they been doing their job!!! I'm sorry but loss of life in this senseless manner certainly calls for a re-evaluation of how things are managed at this particular location. Who is going to step up to the plate and get the ball rolling for action to take place? How many more lives need to be lost there? I plan to call the Acadia National Park Facility (207) 288-3338 and voice my opinion. How about you all join me? Make a difference!!!! If we don't make a stand, what will change there? IMAGINE IT WAS YOUR LITTLE GIRL THAT LOST HER LIFE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!! all the things that family has to remember as each year goes by without their little girl. No graduation, no prom, no wedding, no children and the list goes on and on. CALL THEM!!!!!!!!

Rhonda211, what the f are you talking about? The parents had not control? Although I was under the impression it was her dad that was also swept out to see, but either way, the parents allowed "the older gentlemen" to take her out there. Perhaps that makes the parents even that much more irresponsible.

I am so sick of people claiming stupidity when it comes to making poor decisions............they were warned and they didn't listen there fault. Just cuz it's a National Park doesn't equate it to going to "Story Land"!

Oh and Rhonda, I would never put my child in danger like that. Only an idiot would think it was a smart idea to have a small child on those rocks.

I only use idiot IF the parents were in fact acting in a irresponsible manner. If this wave actually reached an area that was more than safe and not closed off then I apologize and this can just be chaulked up as a freak and tragic accident.

Rhonda, I am truly sorry to have to disagree with you. The girl's father was obviously with her and approved of her location since he was the individual who was also swept away with her. HE was the responsible party, not the park, not the rangers, not the many people who were evidently attempting to warn him to get back. From what I have read (and from what I have personally witnessed during my many visits to Acadia) the rangers do the best they can to warn people of the dangers of nature. To blame anyone other than the one person legally responsible for his child's safety is just another example of how our culture has degenerated to one in which the acceptance of responsibility is the exception rather than the rule. I WILL call the park: To thank them for the tireless work they do, and to support them in continuing to do this work. Nature is beautiful, and dangerous. Never forget that.

Our teenage daughter had the bright idea three days ago of driving to Bar Harbor to see the hurricane waved predicted by the weathermen. I've lived down south, through many hurricanes, including a flooded house, and told her no way. In fact, I was smart enough to forbid her to leave the house yesterday (lest she have any rebellious ideas - I was 18 once, too). You can imagine the I-Told-You-So the entire family heard from me last night. I don't always follow the recommendations set forth by the government but I do follow safety rules and instructions. I would never, ever cross a locked gate or a roped off area during a natural disaster. Obviously, these rangers had seen things happen in that location that most haven't. That said, since the officials there knew of the extreme dangers, they should have closed off Loop Road BEFORE the accident, hours before, not after. They have their own hindsight to deal with today. People are stupid but keeping the entire park open gave people the impression it was safe. I hope the Park has good lawyers because you can bet there will be many lawsuits from this and the injured will win all of them.

I have seen many time when the surf was going to be bad,that the park always used to chain off to keep people from going down to the thunder hole,was that done in this instance?

In the future I would recommend putting up warning signs and chaining the path to the thuder hole to prevent this from happening again.

Apparently some people posting comments here don't realize that you can drive to within walking distance of Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, and Sand Beach on public roads, roads that the Park Service doesn't control. Closing the loop road gates won't keep fools off the rocks.

We live in a culture where there is absolutely no respect for authority -- people were told not to go under roped off or gated areas and they went anyway. That, in no way is the fault of the rangers or any other park authority people. They tried to do their jobs and were ignored. Making calls to the ANP and complaining is ridiculous. Stupid people did stupid things against warnings and they paid for it. Case closed!

copy/pasted from an e-mail Sunday that I sent to some friends:

J. and I took the Island bus to see Thunder Hole today (Sunday) around ten thirty AM, I took the 35 millimeter with 1000 zoom.

We went out on the ledges (200 yards south of Thunder Hole) that the people were swept off from around 11:50 AM and I snapped one of the

cliffs and turned and took one of the Sand Beach side and Thunder Hole. There was a couple below me and really close to the waters edge; and I zoomed and tried to cut him out of the frame. I was holding the camera steady on a boulder. I took the two shots and turned to J. and said let's

go. We walked out to the path by the road and three monster waves hit and came right into the tree line a minute later.

Then they started to crawl through the woods and were dripping wet. There was a gentleman with an obvious separated shoulder and neither of our cells worked there. I walked further south and observed a lady talking on her cell and got through to 911, they got a ranger on scene and he transported him. A note here to all of you negative posters...the Rangers were being kind, hospitable, had already gated the path to Thunderhole which I witnessed at around10:45. They were also over whelmed by the crowds.

One woman had her shoes sucked off of her feet!

We kept on walking toward Otter Cliffs, taking photos and wondering if the couple who were closer to the water than I had made it OK? We were

back to tourist mode when 'screams' came from the very same ledge just described at about 12:45 PM. We just 'looked at each other and knew' it was the same thing with a different batch of folks. The group near us on the rocks (not knowing) laughed at them getting drenched. We were staying on the road and couldn't see for the scrub pines.

High tide was around 2:00 PM and the waves were building with a three foot surge in addition to an abnormal high tide charted at 12.9 ft. I had looked this up but the tourists had not a clue.

We were looking for a bus which was running late because of the crowds and traffic the crowds at that time, it finally arrived twenty minutes late. There were folks on the bus that had witnessed two and a "possible" third person swept out and off the same ledges. We are lucky we are here to tell the story.

The bus radio indicated the loop road was closed within five minutes of boarding.

This tragic accident does not surprise me. In observing the crowds of visitors to Thunder Hole (TH) in recent years, it is only a wonder that there have not been more accidents. I have observed people letting their children run loose like it's a playground--allowing them to climb and stand on the edge of big rocks for a photo--even observed a young child do a cartwheel on the hugh tall rock that overlooks "TH" !! This is not responsible parenting--common sense should alert you to the dangers. My Dad used to hold our hands so tight it hurt when we were at "TH" and we were warned of the dangers--what does it take for people to realize this--I hope not more tragedies. So sorry to hear of this one. The Park Rangers can only do so much. We must take responsibility and try to prevent these avoidable accidents.

i think the parents of the children involved have enough on their plate right now then to deal with peanut gallery comments and blame from people who WERE NOT THERE!

Sorry, scullernrn, but what's on their plate, they put there. I and I'm sure the other posters to which you refer are thinking of other CHILDREN whose parents are equally stupid. My concern is only for the CHILDREN. They have to rely on the intelligence of their guardians for safety. What's done is done. My only goal in posting on the responsibility of the "parents" is to hopefully teach other idiots to take their responsibilities seriously and to learn from this tragic event. Keep your children safe by not putting them in danger! I'm sorry to say that yours and other "supportive" comments may serve to enable this kind of behavior. I don't have to have been there at that moment to know that TH is dangerous under any conditions, let alone with a hurricane churning offshore.

You are the peanut gallery as well, and although it may make you feel better to blame everyone other than the the peope truley responsible, the parents. I call it like I see it oh, and my tax dollars paid for there rescue and recovery so I have every right to comment on this.

what they put on the plate-they put on their plate. Don't ram it down their throats.

Not ramming it down there throats, just yours and the other people on here that would rather blame the ANP and any other person or group that doesn't include her parents and the others on the rocks.

It would be tragic if people didn't have some commens sense and take responsibility for the results of the actions...............lawyers love it, but I don't.

Okay I am done..........bottom line, follow the rules, respect authority, don't blow coke, don't drink and drive, and always where your safety belt.......remember "click it or ticket".

Finally I wish only the best to this family who has experienced one of the most horrific things a human can endure.

This is indeed a tragedy. Most tragic because it was unfortunately totally preventable. Preventable not by the park, not by the rangers, not by the bystanders, but by the parent who ignored warnings written and verbal and put his poor child in harm's way. My heart goes out to the family of this child, but hopefully others will learn to respect the sea, use common sense, and listen to those who know better. Do what you want with your own life, but DON'T PUT YOUR CHILDREN IN DANGER!

It seems this sad incident will have yet further negative consequences. No doubt the NPS will bear the brunt for people's ignorance and the tragic consequences that befell a few tourists and especially one young girl. Yes, I am mortified to think how her parents must feel. But, I have to ask why would people be responsible for their own stupidity when the NPS is there to take the responsibility and the blame?

With a family summer place in the area, I have enjoyed Acadia all my life. Over that time we have seen the Park become necessarily more restrictive to protect the environment and the people that visit. I can already see this particular incident will parlay into further restrictions and increased operating costs for the Park. Since they already have the booth at the Park Loop Road entrance, perhaps they should include a short IQ test before allowing entrance?

I agree with downeastdave. Adults have to take responsibility for their children and for themselves in situations that appear to be risky or in which they have been warned. There were signs, there were Rangers, that is more than enough.

People ride motorcycles without helmets, they smoke cigarettes, they take unnecessary risks all the time. No one can stop them or protect them. They get close to the edge because they want the thrill. They should not be allowed to bring a lawsuit after their risky behavior results in injury, and their families should not be permitted to sue in the case of death. Risk-takers should not be rewarded for the consequences.

MarieLaine

I have a solution to the whole mess,,,, make a policy where if the surf is like this again,then sut all park roads down and then the ANP does not have to do any running around and warning people and then if people make their way on to the park and something happens and they live to tell about it,charge them with the expenses that occur with what happens to them. Or maybe they can post warning sings and have them up all season reminding people that the surf can be very dangerous.

Just a comment about brooks10 not meaning to be rude but when you said "ALL THE FOREIGN TOURISTS WERE CROSSING OVER THE GATE TO GET TO THE BOTTOM." how could you tell they were foreign? were they carrying their passports?

I was there for the better part of the day and I saw the rangers doing everything they could to keep people safe. Unfortunately there weren't enough rangers to watch the hundreds of people who took leave of their common sense and were trying to see how close they could get to the edge to get splashed with the surf.

What's happened to the concept that we are responsible for out own actions? Oh, I forgot. That was in the past. Now, when you go on Park lands and get hurt, it's the Park's fault. Those who took chances yesterday were in a word .... stupid. Fortunately, most of them got away with it.

There will be a lot more such tragadies like yesterday because, as Larry the Cable Guys says: "You just can't fix stupid."

Sad tragedy. My heart goes out to all. But I do have to say this in Maine if there is warning of any sort take it serious. Being near water wouldn't be the best

mmcarter67:

When they walk past you speaking their jibberish and you can't understand a word they are saying what yould you call them?

Funny how you clowns mention the foriegners were crossing the gate, as if they were the only ones.....considering the 3 people that went into the drink were from I believe Belfast, ME and New York.

I have been watching this story since it began yesterday because of the fact that we were almost one of the witnesses. Yes, people do make wrong choices, sometimes really stupid choices.It's a fact of life. If it wasn't then it would be a better world. Why do you think they had to make seat belt laws, helmet laws, or laws about smoking in a car with children in it? You are correct about not putting our children in danger, but how many of you have done so without even thinking about it? There is no perfect parent in this world, no matter what. We all make mistakes . . . if any of you haven't then there should be a shrine devoted to you. The man did not break the law and I'm sure that at no point did he think he was "laughing in the face of danger". He was not the only one in that area and may hava trusted those around him for knowing if it was safe to stand there or not. We can not judge this man or any other without ALL the facts and even then it is not our job. I thought the rangers did an extrordinary job yesterday under very difficult circumstances. The ones we met were cordial, willing to provide information and seemed very organized. I too will call the ANP and let them know how pleased we were with the course of action that was taken. No matter what happens from here, that little girl is gone and her father will live with that the rest of his life. Lets all learn from this, move on, and hope it never happens again.

what do they pay the park rangers for? didn't they see for themselves it was an accident waiting to happen? and where was the Coast Guard rescue helicopter that should have been on high alert. Great teamwork boys. "It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature"!

When horses are acting up i get away from them, so i don't get trampled. When the Ocean is acting up I stay far away from it, so i don't get swallowed. I guess that's why we have the old saying that there's a time and place for everything.

ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS PEOPLE!!! When are we as human beings going to take responsibility for our own actions. Why should we close the park for all the individuals who know how to follow signs, know what roped off areas mean and listen to the numerous park officials requests to stay on the roadside. It is stupid, ignorant people that think they know better that do not follow rules probably in any areas of their lives. How dare you blame the hard working rangers who were clearly out numbered. Commen sense tells me where to be, as well as all the other barriers offered. Do you want your state or government to dictate everything for you. Is that the world you want to live in, because I thought we lived in a democracy. Don't like that your allowed to be free to make choices of what is safe for yourself or not ?? Then move. It was these individuals choice to go around the barriers, ignore the requests of rangers and the screams of the other people watching from above for them to move and worse they didn't just risk their own safety they risked their defenseless innocent children's safety. I have a seven year old, never would I get anywhere close to such an unpredictable force of nature during a storm. Grow up People and take some damn responsibillity for your own choices and actions!

hey.. tuckerdawn.. you should know by now.. we gotta blame someone anytime anything happens.

People routinely ignore/defy warnings and rules posted in the park. Not far from Thunder Hole, the Precipice Trail is extremely steep and has bright yellow signs posted at the bottom "Attempt this route only if you are physically fit, wearing proper footwear, and have experience in climbing near exposed cliffs and heights...persons have received serious injuries and other have died on this mountain side!" Over the years I have seen many people go up this trail wearing sandals and fashion sneakers, cameras and big packs hanging from shoulders, not in what most would consider good physical condition, often with little kids scrambling up behind them.

I frequently see people putting a big round rock/s into their cars, picked up from the Natural Seawall on 102A , where a huge sign says "please do not remove rocks." I've witnessed others carrying them all the way from the Wonderland beach to the parking lot. Then there's dogs off leashes, not being picked up after, etc. I guess the point I'm trying to make is you can't force people to obey rules and warnings. You would have to have law enforcement rangers everywhere, which would seriously detract from the beauty and peacefulness of the park. In any case, Acadia (and all of our national parks) are seriously underfunded by the federal government which restricts hiring.

I was there at the scene and actually got drenched by the wave it was NOT at the thunder hole viewing station and we had not crossed any roped off areas. The situation happened a little past thunder hole. we were on the rocks and it was completely dry and seemed safe enough. I would not have had my child has close as some people but that is my choice. I actually was fairly close to the road. We were at thunder hole just prior to this and the park rangers were warning people to stay behind the gates and as soon as the ranger moved along the line of people some jumped right back accross the line. It was a horrible ACCIDENT. not everything can be foreseen and prevented so people who were not there and just making comments on the reporting don't be so quick to judge. Have you never made a mistake in judgement. Have you always done your job 100%. Do you want to live in a police state that has to make every decision for you and your family. Until that particular wave hit at that time we were where it seemed ok and it turned out to not be a lot of people were either hurt and scared by witnessing this and the park rangers did their best and responded appropriately and I will be contacting the ranger station and acadia to let them know as a witness I think they did a wonderful job in a tough situaion.

My thoughts are with all the victums of this tradgey

re: On 8/24/09 at 8:45 AM, shtstrm wrote: mattcarbone, sorry, didn't realize the "English" police were in attendance. "you're"...........are you happy now?

It wasn't a police issue. I found it very funny that you made two posts in which you called someone stupid and ignorant. Yet you don't know that "your" is not the same as you are (you're). :)

Bottom line, if you're going to call someone stupid, you had better not look stupid doing it!

Why on earth would a person take children to a dangerous place like this? This is senseless!

Bravo Coast Guard and Park Rangers - a job well done!!!

On 8/24/09 at 3:04 PM, silentarrow wrote: Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

what do they pay the park rangers for? didn't they see for themselves it was an accident waiting to happen? and where was the Coast Guard rescue helicopter that should have been on high alert. Great teamwork boys. "It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature"!

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Silent...

The CG Helo that was on your so called "High Alert"....1st this isn't the movies...All of the CG is always ready on a moments notice. 2nd The CG Helo comes from Cape Cod at CG Air Sta Cape Cod. It takes time, procedures, etc to get them in the air. Its not like hooping into your car and going. They got here on scene along with the CG Falcon, the CG's jet. Everyone should pay attn to the weather if you do want to go out and see the weather....but you need to ready to leave when its gets worse.

To all those emergency personell, fire ems, CG, MMP, etc .....good job.

One of the wonderful functions of nature (especially in our Wilderness and Park systems) is to provide an environment where people can have the "close-call" experiences required to develop good judgement. The tragedy is that when it comes to the natural world, not all close-calls are safe-calls. With fewer and fewer opportunities for us (urban Americans) to hone our judgement skills between trips to the Big Outdoors, we have grown increasingly unfamiliar with how to act safely in an unpredictable environment. So much of our urban experience (especially our media-experience) is one of safety and control. Media thrives on the thrill of the narrow escape. Even those guys on that t.v. show about fishing in Alaska always survive the "rogue waves". If you have no personal experience with the unpredictability of the sea, of the power of water, no small close calls with which to form your own judgement, how could you possibly know how close is too close? True, this means that it would be wise to listen to someone who does know better than you, and often we do. And yet even the most cautious among us know very well the "thrill of the close-call". We've all been there. We've all pushed the limit. We have all ducked the proverbial fence somewhere and gotten away with it. We have all longed to feel the freedom and thrill of unbounded nature. Developing good judgement requires us to play the edge. So instead of judging each other for a lack of judgement, let's unite in our desire to feel the joy and freedom of big waves on a stormy day. And let's admit that we, yes, you and me, haven't always gotten it right either, and gratefully, nor have we gotten it totally wrong. Hopefully, we are the wiser for it.

What a tragedy. I remember when my friends Bob and Peggy Croteau were swept away quite a few years ago.

It was such a shock. This is an unpredictable place . The water was not even rough when they were killed. Just a rogue

wave. My condolences to the family of the little girl.

Hi, i am a mother, grandmother, and Registered Maine Guide on location in Bridgeport, Ct. Just prior to Bill's arrival I was on Penfield Reef, there are several rock jetties in the area that get quite slippery. Three children under 8 were playing at the end of the jetty when the one about 6-7 decided to slide down onto the rocks where waves were crashing but only 2 plus feet high. I asked the girl to come to the top of the jetty and explained that it would not be possible for here to get out of the water if a wave pulled her in. She did as I asked, as I approached the beach, I saw the mother who was turned away from the children. I said, "When your daughter tells you a mean old woman told her to get out off the rocks, she wasn't kidding." The woman said thank you, glanced at the children and turned back away from them. At least not under my watch. I left the beach.

So often people do not understand or believe the power of nature. Such a tragedy that the arefore mentioned common sense could have avoided.

There are many courses available for learning outdoor safety. Try Scounting, 4-H, your local university - Maine Bound in Orono, or search the internet.

My husband and I were in Acadia , last Sunday. We were in awe of the natural beauty of the whole area. Yes, were even warned by the lady at the B&B about the danger of the waves and staying off the rocks! We still wanted to drive into the park and see for ourselves. We were told by a ranger about the waves sweeping people off the rocks and that it was closed. Late afternoon, when the tide had gone out, we drove to see Sand Beach and Thurnder Hole.

No fee was charged , but firm warning was given to " stay off the rocks". Which we did. The waves were still HUGE! I can not imagine how big they were at high tide! It was so sad that the little girl died! I feel so sorry for the family. I can't imagine how they feel. I did see lots of warning signs all over and very attentive rangers. I did see people probably still getting too close. Your park is awesome and I think most people never think it will happen to them. We need to respect the ocean and any other force of Nature. Thanks .

This, of course, is a horrible tragedy and I'm sure I can speak for most people reading this in saying that our hearts go out to all the people affected by this rogue wave and our gratitude to coastguard and bystanders who were able to pull the people from the water.

However, I think it is important not to overlook a few key facts in this story. 1 it was a wave of unusual magnitude compared to the rest of the swell hitting the shoreline. For any unlucky soul who has studied wave movements, this is a well documented effect: if you put two normal, predictable wave sources together rarely an abnormally large (non-linear) wave is produced. That seems to be what happened here 2 The fact that only a few people out of "thousands" that were watching the swell were actually pulled into the ocean speaks to the fact that the vast majority of bystanders-stupid tourists though they may be-were actually standing a conservative distance from the surf. As much as I love to blame bad parenting for the woes of the world, I don't think it's justified in this case. Sorry downeastdave, I have to respectfully disagree with you there.

I think the only thing that could exacerbate this tragedy would be for the park service to impose more rules, restrictions, and red tape in an already over-bureaucrified park. Should they have shut the road down? Should they have everybody sign waivers before entering the park? How about raising the national park fees enough so people actually do prefer to go to safer destinations like six flags and disney. It could be just me, but I think this should be viewed an act of nature a tragic yet unforeseeable act of nature.

This seems like such a senseless tragedy and my heart goes out to the family of the little girl. Hopefully her death will open the eyes of some of the thrillseekers out there who don't realize the power of mother nature. It's one thing to be naturally curious, but don't put your children in jeopardy because of it.