In a C152 with the engine out I think anyone on the ground will be able to get out of the way by walking at a fairly leisurely pace in more or less any direction.
How many times have we all picked a field for a PFL only to discover that when we're closer there are sheep or cows in it? You wouldn't pick the sea over the field. If the cows or sheep were a few people walking a dog does that change anything? Obviously you're going to try not to hit them, and they'll be busy trying not to get hit! I think you'd find it harder to hit one of them on purpose than not hit any of them at all.
Crash on land rather than ditch was the suggestion.
I'd rather do that too!