the "dead" bears

   Every summer people die while playing in the surf in Oregon. The joyful romp in the waves can turn deadly when inexperienced visitors venture out a little too far or get caught in a rip current. Oregon coastal waters are never warm, and during summer months are often as cold as 48F. A hot day on the beach will tempt many to splash in the surf, which is ok for a few minutes and no deeper than waist deep.
   A related problem involves cheapskate parents who buy their kid a boogie board but won't spring for a wetsuit. And of course there is the compound tragedy when parents or bystanders charge to the rescue of surf bathers in distress. Sometimes the person lost is the "rescuer" rather than the "rescuee."
   Oregon state beaches are under the jurisdiction of the state highway department, who some years back came up with Cap'n Beware, the beach safety bear. The "dead" bears make a guest appearance in this episode of Tales of the Northern Seas. This comic was part of  surf shop owner Mike Olsens' efforts to educate cheapskate parents about the necessary gear (wetsuits) for "playing" in Oregon surf.

"it was nuttin'!"

   Is surfing good for kids? If they hang out at the beach with older surfers, won't they pick up bad habits? Shouldn't they be playing a character-building team sport like soccer, instead of wasting their time chasing waves?
   Our heroes have occasionally failed to comply with accepted standards of civilized behavior, but their hearts are true, even when their butts are bare.

Water Tots wasn't the first published, but it presents the trios origins

Waxrat, always the enthusiast!