Missing boy saga sparks warning about beach dangers

As the search continues for a boy last seen on a beach near Tofino, B.C., a local woman says the saga reminds her of her own narrow escape from the waves while vacationing near the same Vancouver Island resort.

Sara Brocklehurst, a resident of Gabriola Island, situated in the Strait of Georgia, between Vancouver Island and the British Columbia mainland, says she was prompted to tell her own story after seeing the news about William Pilkenton.

The seven-year-old boy, who was visiting from Bellingham, Wash.,was last seen on Friday, playing on the beach neara bed-and-breakfasthe was stayingat with his family.

Fears that Pilkenton may have been swept out to sea has made Brocklehurst wonder whether more should be done to warn people about the things they need to watch out for while staying beside rocky beaches, wheretheunwary can sometimes be caught off guard.

During a recent Christmas vacation, Brocklehurstand a friend werewalking ona beach near Tofino and found themselves enjoying the dramatic wave action while standing on a giant log.

From that location, the waves seemed far away, or at least far enough away that they didn't seem to bein any danger.

But suddenly, a shallow wave crept in, lifting the log up and flipping her backward.

Before she had time to react,Brocklehurst was overcome by the crushing weight of the log.

"As it rolled over my body I heard all my bones starting to crack and pop and luckily it rolled right off,'' she said.

However, a surge of adrenalin enabled her to jump up and run to the safety of nearby driftwood, where she was able to sit down and wait with her friend for help.

The impact of the log shattered Brocklehurst's knee, left her with 10 broken ribs and punctured her lung.

It was a painfulreminder of the hidden dangers that lurk on rocky beaches, one that she says tourists should be warned about, especially if they are travelling with young children.

"I think it's important to let people know how many accidents and injuries and deaths do occur there,'' she said. "I mean, I don't believe I'm the only one that this happens to.''