As a sport, surfing has come a long way. Over the years, the sport grew, and communities across the globe began embracing the sport. Iconic surfing contests now attract international crowds, as people from all over the world come to witness surfers ride the waves. However, Hawaii remains the most popular surfing location on earth. On Sunday, an iconic big wave surfing contest returned after a seven-year hiatus. While the excitement surrounding the event was palpable, a glaring safety issue could’ve resulted in a disastrous outcome.

Reddit user Eve posted a video from the event on r/facepalm, a massive Reddit community with 6.9 million members. The video shows the glaring safety issue as people move beyond the safe zone to view the surfers riding the gigantic waves. However, the crowd found that ignoring warning signs is not a wise decision.

An iconic surfing event nearly turned into a disaster

“In O‘ahu, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational or ‘The Eddie’ – one of the world’s most prestigious surfing contests moved forward today after a seven-year hiatus with towering wave faces and a gigantic swell,” Eve wrote in the video caption. On-duty lifeguard Luke Shepardson won the prestigious event.

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However, the video showed a grim sight when two massive waves nearly swept away the crowd on the beach. “Crowds had been warned to watch from high ground. Some did not listen,” Eve explained.

Fans pointed out everything the people on the beach did wrong

One user noticed kids on the beach getting hit by the massive waves. “You’d think after the first wave people would move back out of danger. Especially those with young children. Although it would be a major PITA, stuff like their keys, cellphones, wallets, and cameras can be replaced.” Another Reddit user wrote, “It’s actually very common to be swept into the ocean by retreating waves and drowning. Those waves are very treacherous and extremely dangerous, how do people not know this?”

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Another user spotted the warning signs pasted on the trees. “There’s even a yellow ‘do not cross’ line on the palm tree.” One user pointed out how the crowd didn’t immediately run to safety after the first wave. “Oh well that was the wave, I guess we are safe now,” wrote the r/facepalm member.

Luckily, no one was seriously hurt in the incident. Some users made hilarious comments. “F*** around and find out: Nature Edition,” wrote one user. “You know, maybe sitting by the beach at a ‘Big Wave’ event wasn’t the best idea,” commented one user. “AVATAR: Get Out Of The Way Of Water,” wrote a member. “Avatar: The Right Of Way Of Water,” wrote another member.

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What did you make of the incident? Write your thoughts in the comments.