A way to fish the surf and survive is to fish with someone else there. Solo surf FF is risky. Also-use chest waders and two wader belts. One at the waist and one high up at chest level. Wear a fishing SOS inflatable vest.Now go have fun and yes don't turn your back on the surf.
Watch out for "The Wave of the day"..which is a monster..
One time while fishing atop a rock jetty, the tide was coming in pretty quickly. I was slow (foolishly) to back off from the exposed top of the jetty as the waves crept in higher with each wave. Then a fresh wave flooded the rocks and lifted me up and thankfully set me down a few yards backwards still standing. I had all of the above safety gear on. Still...