To minimize attacks from predators, turtle hatchlings must quickly find their way to the water's edge. A. When light cues are absent, hatchlings use other navigational strategies, such as following the downward slope of the beach to find the water's edge. B. If the incoming waves are too strong to allow hatchlings to reach the open sea, they are carried back to the beach where they wait for calmer waters C. Once hatchlings reach the open sea, they begin to use their geomagnetic compasses as simple directional compasses. D. Hatchlings use light and cues such as shapes to help them locate the sea, though strong artificial light on land may lead them in the wrong direction. E. After they reach the water, hatchlings rely on incoming waves to indicate the direction in which the open sea is located. F. Hatchlings' geomagnetic compasses can help keep hatchlings on course toward the open sea, once other cues have been used to get them headed in the right direction.