Worf + Ocean = Funny. Beverly + Ocean = Not funny. Why?

I always thought it was because the whole event was a ceremony for Worf, so it would make sense that they would potentially dunk him in the water as kind of a light hazing. Crusher was not prepared to fall in, so it was less expected.

I would liken it to a bride and groom at a wedding smashing wedding cake in each other's faces. Its cute and funny when they do it, but if I as bridesmaid were to grab a handful and smash it in the mother of the groom's face, it would not be amusing to anyone and would likely get me tossed out.

from what I understand...

Worf was purposefully put in a position where he would likely fall as others would, but when he didn't, Riker didn't like that since everyone else who was promoted probably went through the same thing as Picard loves tradition.

It was offensive w/ Beverly b/c he actually pushed her forcefully as she wasn't in a position to be in the water...it's not dissimilar when an *beep* at a pool decides to push people into the water for no good reason except they're standing near a pool. It may even be considered assault & battery if some injury happened as a result of in a court of law.

It's ok to push someone on a board, or shake it in a pool though because they intend to get wet & it's all in good fun as long as no injuries are incurred.