Ocean wave smacking= head concussions

[OakLeaf]

one doesn't thing of a swim in the ocean waves as being that dangerous

I'm terrified of the ocean.

I'm an adequate, if slow, swimmer in pools. My only triathlon in a flat lake, I was super slow, but never felt frightened or overwhelmed by the open water or the kicking competitors. The ocean really scares me, even on the east coast where waves are almost never over 5'. Rip currents, jellyfish, sharks, and nothing in the other direction for three thousand miles. No thankyouverymuch.

Shootingstar, hope your friend makes a full recovery.