Brief Communication: A new perspective on the Australian rip current hazard
TLDR
Based on an analysis of the longest existing data records, this article found that rip currents account for more human fatalities in Australia on average each year than bushfires, floods, and cyclones combined.Abstract:
. Rip currents are strong, narrow offshore flows of water which occur on many of the world's beaches and represent a serious hazard to bathers. In Australia, rip currents account for an average of 21 confirmed human fatalities per year. Based on an analysis of the longest existing data records, rip currents account for more human fatalities in Australia on average each year than bushfires, floods, and cyclones combined. This finding raises important questions regarding the levels of attention placed on the low intensity, but high frequency rip current hazard in relation to high profile and episodic natural hazards.read more
Citations
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“You can't see them from sitting here”: Evaluating beach user understanding of a rip current warning sign
TL;DR: A spatially and temporally randomized survey of 392 beach users from three heavily frequented public beaches in Texas at the height of the summer beach season in 2012 found that more than half of beach users had difficulty translating the rip current image into a feature observable while standing or sitting on the shore.
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Perception of the rip current hazard on Galveston Island and North Padre Island, Texas, USA
TL;DR: In this article, a face-to-face survey was conducted to assess the ability of beach users to identify a rip current using five near eye-level photographs that simulate the view of the beach and surf zone as the respondent approached the beach.
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Evaluation of swimmer-based rip current escape strategies
R. Jak McCarroll,Robert W. Brander,Jamie MacMahan,Ian L. Turner,Ad Reniers,Jenna Brown,Anthony Bradstreet,Shauna Sherker +7 more
TL;DR: In this article, a field study was conducted at Shelly Beach, NSW, Australia, measuring three rip currents (two open beaches, one topographic) over 3 days in varying wave conditions.
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The Experiences of Weak and Non-Swimmers Caught in Rip Currents at Australian Beaches
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the vulnerability of weak and non-swimmers to rip currents by identifying how the limits of their swimming competencies influence their abilities to successfully execute a rip current exit strategy.
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Public perceptions of a rip current hazard education program: “Break the Grip of the Rip!”
Chris Houser,Sarah Trimble,Robert W. Brander,B. Chris Brewster,Greg Dusek,Deborah Jones,John Kuhn +6 more
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted an online survey to determine the extent of rip current knowledge across the United States, with the aim of improving and enhancing existing beach safety education material, finding that the Break the Grip of the Rip! ® campaign has been successful in educating the public about rip current safety directly or indirectly.
References
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Annual disaster statistical review 2011: the numbers and trends
TL;DR: In 2011, 332 natural disasters were registered, less than the average annual disaster frequency observed from 2001 to 2010 (384). However, the human and economic impacts of the disasters in 2011 were massive.
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Rip currents and beach hazards: their impact on public safety and implications for coastal management
TL;DR: In this paper, the morphodynamics and bathing hazards associated with each of the six beach states are identified and the states rated accordingly from the safest (1) to least safe (10).
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Rip current related drowning deaths and rescues in Australia 2004–2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a retrospective search was undertaken for fatal and non-fatal rip-related drowning incidents from Australia's National Coronial Information System (NCIS), Surf Life Saving Australia's (SLSA, 2005-2011) SurfGuard Incident Report Database (IRD), and Media Monitors for the period 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2011.
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An examination of rip current fatalities in the United States
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyzed fatalities caused by rip currents in the conterminous United States for the period 1994-2007 and found that women are over six times more likely to fall victim to a deadly rip current than men.