In the words of the great John Bossie: "Mother Nature and the sea are extreme forces that must be respected." Living on the eastern seaboard of New South Wales, Australia, high seas can and do, have a remarkable effect on our coastline. Recently as a few days ago, we experienced high seas serious enough to close all beaches, ocean baths and pools along our Newcastle coast. Next to Newcastle Ocean Baths is what is the Young Mariner's Pool, commonly called the Canoe Pool. This is rarely full, and the full height of the chain 'fence' around the perimeter is always exposed. Huge waves make it very dangerous for would-be swimmers and surfers to enter the water. However, there are always the "dare-devils" who ignore the warning signs and refuse to be deterred from their sport.