Seawalls and Signage: How Beach Access Management Affects Rip Current Safety

Rip currents are concentrated flows of water flowing out to sea faster than the surrounding waves. Recent research suggests that the beach going public is mostly unaware of how to identify, avoid, and escape rip currents. As a... [ view full abstract ]

Rip currents are concentrated flows of water flowing out to sea faster than the surrounding waves. Recent research suggests that the beach going public is mostly unaware of how to identify, avoid, and escape rip currents. As a result, hundreds of rip current related deaths occur worldwide each year, making rip currents a global health hazard. While an increasing number of programs are created in coastal countries, many aimed at increasing public awareness and education, signage, or improving lifeguard programs, there is increasing evidence that existing warning systems and signage are ineffective because beach users are unable to translate the warning into a real-world feature. Further evidence suggests that beach access management can inadvertently steer unsuspecting beach users towards rip-prone areas, increasing the chances of a drowning occurring on that beach. Using examples from the Great Lakes, United States, Costa Rica and Australia we argue that when developers do not consider beach and nearshore geomorphology in their designs for beach access management, they may lead unsuspecting and unaware beach users towards the rip hazard and increase the potential for drownings.