I have entered the water at night up to waist deep a few times but not something I do regularly. I did it once after midnight years ago because I was being followed by 2 shady characters who would change directions when I did, after about 15 mins in the surf they moved on, it was before I started carrying my firearm when I detect.If you watch beach CAM at Clearwater beach, you will see MDers hunting at night (I'm talking 1-4am) in waist deep water!!! A fellow MDer told me the Law stopped them from going out at night but these "brave souls" continue to hunt at night!
Another MDer recently told me he was cornered by 2 bull sharks during the day at Clearwater and had to back away while keeping his detector and scoop between him and the sharks.