This warning sign is near the back (south side) of the Old Fourth Ward Park reservoir, where the water is quite deep. Whenever I see a sign like this, I wonder what triggered its installation. At the north side of the park, the reservoir has a shallow edge that would make it easy to wade in, so that could be tempting—possibly. I found the sign amusing, and while thinking about this image, I decided to look for warnings on household products that were close at hand.
A bottle of rubbing alcohol cautions the user: “ Do not point at self or others; Product will squirt when squeezed.” Is pointing bottles of alcohol oneself or others and squeezing a thing? Has this happened so many times that a warning had to be added?
On the mouthwash is a clear warning that it should not be swallowed. In such cases, the reader is warned to seek medical attention. On the toothpaste is a similar warning against swallowing the paste, and should it occur, the reader should call poison control and seek medical attention immediately.
Next, I picked up the dishwashing liquid. Since the mouthwash and toothpaste are intended for oral application, I assumed the dishwashing liquid would have an equally dire warning—nope. The warning for the dishwashing liquid says, somewhat nonchalantly, “If swallowed, drink plenty of water.” I laughed about this for a good five minutes. It gives new meaning to the word “cleanse.”
