Rip Currents and Beach Safety Education

Abstract

Rip currents are the most serious hazard that threatens bather safety on most of the world’s surf beaches. Due to unreliable and inconsistent data collection methods, the number of rip drownings in the U.S. and worldwide is not known. However in the U.S., it is estimated that between 100 and 150, mostly inexperienced bathers drown annually in rip currents. Statistics from the United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) and the Florida Beach Patrol Chiefs reports show that approximately 80 percent of all lifeguard rescues and assists are the result of rip currents. Put into perspective, rip currents are responsible for more deaths than floods, hurricanes and tornadoes (Figure 1). Despite efforts from various organizations to educate the public about rip currents, there is little empirical evidence that these efforts are effective and the number of rip drownings is declining. We believe that one of the reasons for this situation is related to the disconnect between rip current research and public education. Beach safety programs are currently being promoted on many of the world’s beaches through signage, which require bathers to look for rip currents before entering the water. They recommend looking for a discoloration in the water that takes the form of a ‘‘neck’’ near the shore and terminating in a mushroom shaped ‘‘head’’ further offshore (Figure 2). ‘‘Excited’’ water and flotsam swiftly moving away from the beach are often cited as other ways of visually determining if rip currents are present. Over the past three decades we have observed hundreds of rips and recently filmed rip currents using tracer dye. In reality, rip currents seldom conform to the classic descriptions being promoted in beach safety programs and on warning signs (Figures 3. 4 and 5). Consequently, the attributes being used in