Two Hilton Head drownings point to serious need for better communication on beaches | Opinion

Warnings needed

Sometimes I think people on Hilton Head care more about sea turtles than people.

I live on the street next to where one of the men recently drowned.

It was totally scary and disappointing to see the lack of response to the two deaths from the company “protecting the beach.”

In my area there were no clear warning signs added – just several different vehicles weaving up and down honking their horns randomly – almost running into beach-goers.

No one had any idea about the problem.

Does a red flag mean danger, or is it just a signal that is where the lifeguard is?

In my pea-brained business mind, I need someone to do something to up the communication.

What about swim flags sunk on the beach every third of a mile, or clear, readable warning signs posted closely together?

Act like life here was at risk to swimmers — it was.

There is only one thing I can say about Hilton Head’s reaction to these deaths — not impressive.

Daniel P. Regenold, HHI

Restrict e-bikes

E-bikes are an accident waiting to happen.

On a recent walk around Palmetto Dunes, a couple of e-bikes raced by me on the leisure path at a very high speed, one of which was piloted by a teenager.

These bikes weigh between 40 and 80 pounds and can cruise between 15 to 28 mph with no age or licensing requirements involved, other than having to be rented by an adult.

For safety reasons, I don’t believe they should be allowed in our private community.

However, if we have to accept them behind our security gates, can’t we at least confine them to our road surfaces instead of directing them onto our leisure paths (where they are a safety hazard to pedestrians) before someone is seriously maimed or killed?

G.A. Smith, HHI

‘New low’

The Aug. 26 Trump campaign stunt at Arlington National Cemetery is an outrageous and disgusting display of showmanship, dishonor and disrespect to veterans buried there, and their families.

For members of the public unaware, Arlington National Cemetery conducts 27-30 burials per day.

This event had the potential of disrupting the solemnity of those burials in process for family members and visitors paying their last respects to those whose lives and sacrifice were being memorialized.

The ensuing physical altercation between an Arlington staffer trying to enforce the rules of decorum, and a Trump campaign official, truly reflects a new low in the sad saga of a movement attempting through apparently any means to remain relevant.

I’ll register my anger at the desecration of my parents’ final resting place in Arlington in November, and encourage all Americans to do the same.

Susan Sorensen, Beaufort

Prepare to vote

As Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, approaches, citizens who are eligible to vote need to make their voting plan.

Be clear on the rules for absentee voting and early voting.

Know that convicted felons may vote if they have fulfilled all their parole requirements and reregistered to vote.

Be certain that personal voter registration is current because a person’s residential address determines where they vote.

Verify that the polling place is accurate because it can change.

Know who the candidates are and where they stand on the various issues.

Be ready to show the correct form of identification at the polling place.

Consult the voter registration office of the county in which the voter resides for questions or go to any of the following online sites: scvotes.gov; www.vote.org; ballotpedia.org; or an all-time favorite, vote411.org, also simply known as vote411 and maintained by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters.

Whether a person views voting as a right, a privilege, or a responsibility is a personal decision. Exercising one’s voting power honors those who laid their lives on the line so citizens may choose who will govern them.

Be prepared and vote.

Elizabeth Jones, Columbia