help a newbie

oh, the rookie was with me haha. literally the first time out. she had gotten about a dozen good casts so i figured she was golden. she was a tad late on the release, the sinker flew over our heads, across the pier, and into the water on the other side. just reeled in the slack and fished the other side

I always wear a wader belt and have a life jacket with me at all times. I sometimes wear the jacket and sometimes I dont. I also have a marine whistel just in case a you need it to warn a boat or to call for help. A small airhorne can be helpfull as while and doesnt take much space.
I do fish the salt I dont have much fear of sharks (maybe I should) I just started fishing the salt last summer in NPH. I have fished in freshwater lakes for several years mostly for LMB but I will target other species.
Tight Lines
Good Luck.