Sneaker waves are back in the news in Oregon, but staying safe during the dangerous natural phenomena isn’t always easy.

A woman was seriously injured on the north Oregon coast on Saturday, after a sneaker wave rolled a large log over top of her. The incident was one of a relatively rare string of sneaker wave injuries in Oregon, but once again illustrated the dangerous power of the Pacific Ocean.

The sudden surges of water can take beachgoers by surprise, dragging people out into the water or rolling large pieces of driftwood over top of them. Staying safe is less about precaution and more about general awareness. Here are five things to know about Oregon sneaker waves to stay safe.

1. Nobody is sure how exactly sneaker waves form, but it's generally thought that they develop as many waves travelling at the same speed come together, overlapping and combining to create a single wave that crests taller and travels much farther ashore than normal. Their rogue nature makes them nearly impossible to predict.

2. While there's no official season for sneaker waves, plotting out major incidents in Oregon shows an undeniable seasonal trend. Since 1990, all major sneaker wave incidents have occurred between October and April, peaking in November and March. In that time, at least 21 people have been killed.

A woman was crushed by large driftwood log over the weekend, Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue reported.

3. The most common way to stay safe is an old coastal adage: “Never turn your back on the ocean.” That means always maintaining an awareness of the incoming surf while you’re out on the beach. If the water rushes up suddenly, head inland as quickly as possible, and try to stay away from big logs that can roll over top of you.

4. In general, avoid sitting on large logs that are close enough to the water to get swept up by the surf. At very least keep an eye on the ocean when you’re near big pieces of driftwood. While the logs seem massive, they quickly become buoyant in the water and can roll over top of you in an instant.

5. If you do get swept up into the ocean, don't try to fight the current. Instead conserve energy and focus on keeping your head above water until rescuers arrive. Bystanders should never enter the ocean to make a rescue, but should instead call 911 and keep visual contact with victims.

--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB