It doesn't have to hold back the water effectively, only the larger fish that aren't quick enough to notice the falling tide. (williamcalvin.com)
Instead, He simply pushes back the waters so that the dry ground appears. (redeeminggod.com)
Every since then the Islamic world has been the proverbial back water of the world and it was at their own hands that created this reality. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)