Nigel.
So you really think that taking off and landing 20 or 30 feet above the heads of people gathered on a beach is acceptable in a single? (i would't dream of doing it in a class 1 twin)
As for "within auto-rotational distance of shallow water" - you can drown quite happily in shallow water - especially if you're trapped in the wreckage of a non-float equipped helicopter or struggling around injured whilst not wearing a life-jacket!!!
Takes all kinds i suppose - just depends how much consideration you have for those around you and those flying with you.
OH