The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

What is a Swash, Anyway?

I couldn't help but wonder what a swash exactly was after mentioning the Withers and Singleton swashes in the previous entry.

Knowing it had something to do with saltworks, they would have to be near the ocean, the source of the salt. Other than swashbuckler, I've never really heard the term before.

So, I did some investigating. One source called it a creek coming in from the ocean, but the author wasn't sure.

Wikipedia referred to a swash as water that washes up on shore from an incoming wave.

It would probably be ocean water trapped on the beach after the wave recedes. I have seen small ones along beaches and they make a great place to enjoy the ocean without getting knocked around by waves. Plus, there are often small fish in them and quite fun to chase around in the pool.

Swashing Away At the Beach. --Old B-R'er

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