Beach Users Research Articles

Marine litter on a highly urbanized beach at Southeast Brazil: A contribution to the development of litter monitoring programs

Seasonal distribution of Marine Litter (ML) on Santos beaches was assessed using a citizen science strategy. Plastics and cigarette butts (CB) were the dominant items in all sampling campaigns. Seasonal distribution did not result in significant differences for most items. Plastic and CB amounts were high in summer compared to autumn. For all sampled sites the presence of beach users influenced ML densities. However, results showed that some sites presented an additional influence of local hydrodynamic. Moderate amounts of hazardous items including metal, glass, CB, sanitary waste and plastic tubes used to pack and market illicit drugs represented between 20.8 and 31% of all ML over the seasons. The beaches of Santos were classified as dirty in autumn and spring and as extremely dirty in winter and summer. These findings can serve as a baseline to support mitigating actions by public authorities and start monitoring programs of ML not only in Santos but also in other urbanized beaches.

Beachgoers' ability to identify rip currents at a beach in situ

Abstract. Rip currents (“rips”) are the leading cause of drowning on surf beaches worldwide. A major contributing factor is that many beachgoers are unable to identify rip currents. Previous research has attempted to quantify beachgoers' rip identification ability using photographs of rip currents without identifying whether this usefully translates into an ability to identify a rip current in situ at the beach. This study is the first to compare beachgoers ability to identify rip currents in photographs and in situ at a beach in New Zealand (Muriwai Beach) where a channel rip current was present. Only 22 % of respondents were able to identify the in situ rip current. The highest rates of success were for males (33 %), New Zealand residents (25 %), and local beach users (29 %). Of all respondents who were successful at identifying the rip current in situ, 62 % were active surfers/bodyboarders, and 28 % were active beach swimmers. Of the respondents who were able to identify a rip current in two photographs, only 34 % were able to translate this into a successful in situ rip identification, which suggests that the ability to identify rip currents by beachgoers is worse than reported by previous studies involving photographs. This study highlights the difficulty of successfully identifying a rip current in reality and that photographs are not necessarily a useful means of teaching individuals to identify rip currents. It advocates for the use of more immersive and realistic education strategies, such as the use of virtual reality headsets showing moving imagery (videos) of rip currents in order to improve rip identification ability.

Lifeguards in the sky: Examining the public acceptance of beach-rescue drones

The use of rescue drones is expected to increase in forthcoming years. However, the success of their implementation through different applications will depend on public acceptance. Studies to date have analyzed public support for the use of drones with various applications, although public acceptance of drones in specific contexts remains to be explored. In particular, the use of drones for beach rescues has proven beneficial in reducing response times, thus helping to save lives. In this study, we analyze the public acceptance of lifesaving drones and their associated variables. Data collected from a survey of beach users (N = 3363) for this study are used to measure public acceptance of rescue drones. We found that public acceptance of rescue drones is moderate, with approximately half of all participants accepting their use. In terms of influencing variables, we found that the factors most associated with their use are ‘perceived benefits’ and ‘perceived risks’. We also found that the participants from beaches without lifeguard services were more likely to accept the use of rescue drones. These results initiated a discussion on the variables that are associated with the public acceptance in the specific context of lifesaving. In addition, based on the results of this study, we propose implementation plans for rescue drones that might also include public information campaigns on their benefits for beach users.

Evaluating Perception of Sustainability Initiatives Invested in the Coastal Area of Versilia, Italy

Nowadays, following the increased interest and need for the issue of sustainability, tourist destinations are called upon to promote sustainable tourism development through the implementation of investments and initiatives. Despite the investments by the destinations, how are these perceived by tourists and residents? Based on this, this paper aims to assess the perception of sustainable investments in a coastal area located in Tuscany, through the administration of a questionnaire among 750 people, including both tourists and house owners. The study adopted statistical logit and probit models to detect the perception of sustainable initiatives in relation to beach satisfaction. Moreover, this research developed a model for understanding if there are substantial differences in perception between Italian and foreign beach users and at the same time between residents/house owners and tourists. The findings reveal that those who perceive investments in sustainability are more than satisfied with beach and facilities. The model shows that foreigners and residents/house owners perceive sustainable investments implemented in the destination more than tourists and Italian respondents. This research can provide support to local operators and policymakers in defining the destination image in relation to sustainability.

Childhood hazard encounters at Australian beaches and their influence on attachment behaviours in adulthood

In‐depth interviews with beach users indicate that early memories of the Australian beach space underpin pleasures derived from re‐experiencing childhood hazard encounters. The importance of reliving remembered affects is demonstrated to underpin place attachment and identity. Experiences of the sublime in nature also work to enamour beachgoers to revisit beaches despite early encounters with hazards that, in other environments, might allay re‐use. Narrative analysis and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of beachgoer narratives combined with psychoanalytic geographies unpack the influence of experience on behaviour and how individuals perceived and made sense of childhood beach encounters in their adult lives.

Assessing Present and Future Climate Conditions for Beach Tourism in Jardines del Rey (Cuba)

This study assesses, adapting the weather types method, the suitability of the climate in Jardines del Rey (Cuba) for the practice of sun and beach tourism over the period 1991–2014, and the potential future impacts of climate change on this form of tourism on the basis of outputs from the PRECIS-Caribbean Regional Climate Model for the period 2021–2050. The methodology applied makes a classification of daily situations according to the most frequent combinations of climatological variables in tropical areas while focusing on a very specific segment of the tourism market (sun and beach tourism) and taking into account the behaviour of beach users and bioclimatic criteria. The results indicate that the distribution of weather types at the destination during the period 1991–2014 was highly consistent with the monthly distribution of tourists in Cuba, highlighting the existence of a low season from May to October and a high season between November and April. The future scenarios project an improvement in climate conditions for the practice of sun and beach tourism. This improvement is not based on a spectacular increase in favourable weather types compared to unfavourable ones, but rather on a better distribution of both.

Percepção de usuários de praias em relação ao lixo marinho como uma ferramenta para ações efetivas contra essa problemática

This study aimed to identify the perception of beach users about the problem of marine litter, and to characterize them from the socioeconomic point of view. To this, 43 open questionnaires were conducted with users from Curva da Jurema and Ilha do Boi beaches, in Vitória, Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. From the socioeconomic point of view, our results showed that there were no significant differences between the users of the two beaches. With respect to marine litter, the interviewees showed a high level of knowledge about this issue, knowing what the proper disposal of the litter they produce should be and what damage it can cause to the environment and also to humans. It is noteworthy that respondents blame other beach users for the accumulated litter, suggesting that the lack of education and awareness of other people is the main factor for beach garbage. Thus, we conclude that users of both beaches perceive the problem of marine litter, but do not identify their actions as part of the problem. Thus, constant measures are required in public-private partnerships focused on education on the subject, in addition to the installation of various points of garbage collection and monitoring their effectiveness. As a final product, actions were suggested with the different actors involved in the problem, in order to minimize the effects of this pollution.

Relationships among microbial indicators of fecal pollution, microbial source tracking markers, and pathogens in Costa Rican coastal waters

Tropical coastal waters are understudied, despite their ecological and economic importance. They also reflect projected climate change scenarios for other climate zones, e.g., increased rainfall and water temperatures. We conducted an exploratory microbial water quality study at a tropical beach influenced by sewage-contaminated rivers, and tested the hypothesis that fecal microorganisms (fecal coliforms, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens, somatic and male-specific coliphages, pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), Bacteroides HF183, norovirus genogroup I (NoVGI), Salmonella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia) would vary by season and tidal stage. Most microorganisms’ concentrations were greater in the rainy season; however, NoVGI was only detected in the dry season and Cryptosporidium was the only pathogen most frequently detected in rainy season. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) levels exceeded recreational water quality criteria standards in >85% of river samples and in <50% of ocean samples, regardless of the FIB or regulatory criterion. Chronic sewage contamination was demonstrated by detection of HF183 and PMMoV in 100% of river samples, and in >89% of ocean samples. Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Salmonella, and NoVGI were frequently detected in rivers (39%, 39%, 26%, and 39% of samples, respectively), but infrequently in ocean water, particularly during the dry season. Multivariate analysis showed that C. perfringens, somatic coliphage, male-specific coliphage, and PMMoV were the subset of indicators that maximized the correlation with pathogens in the rivers. In the ocean, the best subset of indicators was enterococci, male-specific coliphage, and PMMoV. We also executed redudancy analyses on environmental parameters and microorganim concentrations, and found that rainfall best predicted microbial concentrations. The seasonal interplay of rainfall and pathogen prevalence undoubtedly influences beach users’ health risks. Relationships are likely to be complex, with some risk factors increasing and others decreasing each season. Future use of multivariate approaches to better understand linkages among environmental conditions, microbial predictors (fecal indicators and MST markers), and pathogens will improve prediction of high-risk scenarios at recreational beaches.

Four‐legged foes: dogs disturb nesting plovers more than people do on tourist beaches

Recreational activities in nature have increased considerably in recent decades. Human disturbance may trigger similar trade‐offs in birds that the natural risk of predation generates on productivity through parental investment decisions. To estimate how the impact of human presence affects breeding birds on Mediterranean beaches, the behaviour of incubating Kentish Plovers Charadrius alexandrinus was studied in relation to the approach of people, vehicles and dogs. Observational data were collected and control experiments were performed with a standardized stimulus. The response variability of birds in the decision to flush from the nest was studied depending on the type of beach user, the location of the disturbance event and thermal stress. Walkers, when accompanied by dogs, flushed plovers 93.8% of the time when walking through dunes and 80.0% of the time when walking on paths, whereas pedestrians alone flushed plovers 47.6% of the time when in dunes and only 12.9% of the time when on paths. Lone dogs triggered a flushing response 100% of the time when they roamed the dunes and 50% on the shore. The number of users in each disturbance event did not affect the flushing behaviour. Nest return times were shorter on disturbed beaches, suggesting habituation to the human disturbance stimulus. The ambient temperature for the nests in which plovers flushed was lower and nest return time decreased proportionally with ambient temperature, both suggesting that habituation to the human disturbance stimulus encourages relaxation of the trade‐off between escape behaviour to avoid predation risk and the effects of thermal stress on unattended eggs. Females flushed more frequently (57.1%) than males (32.0%), suggesting that they may perceive risk differently. Establishing buffers between nesting areas and people may help birds habituate to the predictable and non‐lethal stimulus of human presence, facilitating coexistence between conservation and recreation.

The Beneficial Effects of Short-Term Exposure to Scuba Diving on Human Mental Health.

Exposure to outdoor blue spaces can help improve human health by reducing stress, promoting social relationships, and physical activity. While most studies have focused on the adverse health effects of scuba diving, very few have assessed its health benefits. Moreover, when scuba diving is done in large groups with no diving instructor or pre-dive briefing, negative environmental impacts are generated and negative impacts on human health may also occur due to overcrowding, which may create stress. This is the first study to evaluate the effects of scuba diving on divers’ mental health using their diving practices to estimate the impacts on the ecosystem. In the marine-protected area of Cap de Creus and adjacent areas, we assessed the mental health of 176 divers and 70 beach users (control group) by employing a 29-item version of Profile of Mood State (POMS) questionnaires. According to the parameters associated with reduced environmental impacts, two scuba diving experiences were established. Poisson regression models were performed to assess both the contribution of the activity and diving experiences to POMS scores. Both groups (scuba divers and beach goers) reduced their POMS scores after carrying out the activities. Although no significant differences were found between beach and scuba diving activities, nor between the two different scuba diving experiences, our results showed that subjects with regular medication intake due to a chronic or psychiatric illness had a POMS reduction score significantly higher than other subjects. We conclude that both beach and scuba diving activities have positive effects for human mental health, particularly among subjects with regular medication intake.

Marine debris in Moroccan Mediterranean beaches: An assessment of their abundance, composition and sources

Morocco is well known for its attractive Mediterranean beaches, which play an important economic role. With the fast development and growth, these beaches have become more contaminated by marine debris. This paper examined the abundance, composition and marine debris sources on five beaches in the Moroccan Mediterranean during 2019 four seasons. A total of 7839 marine debris were collected from the five beaches with a total weight of 231 kg. The average density of the debris collected was 0.20 ± 0.098 items/m2. Polymer materials constituted the majority of debris found, with a percentage of 71.36%, followed by paper/cardboard (11.50%), metal (5.77%), processed wood (5.34%), cloth/textile (2.51%) and glass/ceramics (1.76%). Human recreational activities were the main source of debris (70.13%), followed by smoking-related (13.98%). Debris density appears to be particularly influenced by beach users. Awareness campaigns are needed for beach users to improve the quality of the beaches.

The challenges of microbial source tracking at urban beaches for Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA)

Urban beaches are frequently impacted from multiple sources of fecal contamination. This along with high beach usage underscores the importance of appropriate management that protects swimmer health. The USEPA has enabled the use of QMRA as a tool for quantifying swimmer health risk and setting site-specific water quality objectives. This study illustrates the challenges associated with human and non-human source identification and how these challenges influence the decision of whether QMRA at typical urban beaches for water quality management is appropriate. In this study, a similar and correlated spatial relationship with elevated Enterococcus and avian-specific markers was observed, suggesting shorebirds as a primary source of FIB. However, human-associated markers were also detected frequently but at low concentrations. Ultimately, a QMRA was not conducted because pathogen loading from potential human sources could not be confidently quantified, having consequences for health risk in receiving waters where recreational contact occurs.

Green and blue settings as providers of mental health ecosystem services: Comparing urban beaches and parks and building a predictive model of psychological restoration

Urban beaches and parks are providers of numerous ecosystem services. In the cultural sphere, place bonding and psychological restoration might significantly contribute to the health and well-being of citizens. In this manuscript, we present a study aimed to evaluate the extent to which three urban beaches and three urban parks offered these advantages to a sample of users (n = 429) in the city of Donostia-San Sebastián (Spain). A second aim was to build a predictive model of restoration through both objective and subjective measures. We assessed the design and physical features of the settings using the Natural Environment Scoring Tool (NEST) and gathered a range of information about the users via a paper & pencil questionnaire. The survey included socio-demographics, questions regarding the frequency and patterns of use, and four different psycho-environmental scales: Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), Place Attachment and Identification Scale, and Restoration Outcome Scales (ROS). We found differences regarding the profile of users and the activities carried out in each of the settings. Users of beaches reported higher levels of attachment, identification, and experienced restoration than the participants surveyed in urban parks (p < .001). Regression analyses revealed that the main predictors of experienced restoration where perceived restorativeness (β = 0.49), attachment (β = 0.22), and identification (β = 0.15), whereas the physical/design features of the environment and the routines of use made a negligible contribution in this regard. The results of the regression analyses were extended by conducting dominance and relative weight analyses.

DSPIR Framework as Planning and Management Tools for the La Boquita Coastal System, Manzanillo, Mexico

Coastal ecosystems are attractive sites for tourism. In the central Pacific coast of Mexico in the La Boquita coastal system (LBCS), consisting of a beach and a coastal lagoon, the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model was implemented for the spatial and temporal analysis of socio environmental indicators, aiming to gather information for decision-making and implementation of management strategies. The spatial occupation (umbrellas and tables) of the beach showed a 50–200% increase during the Easter season relative to the low season, while the area containing restaurants (called “ramadas”) increased by 396% in 15 years, representing pressure on land use for tourism purposes. The density of beach users ranged from moderate to high (&lt;10 m2/user) during the holiday seasons in the tourism area. The Trophic index (TRIX), used as an indicator of trophic status, revealed mesotrophic-to-eutrophic conditions in lagoon water due to the limited water exchange with the adjacent ocean and to DIN and DIP inputs from adjacent tourist areas. The analysis of the environmental legislation showed that law enforcement in the LBCS is poor or nil, with most environmental regulations either ignored or having inadequate enforcement monitoring. This has led to the current state of socio environmental disruption.

South Baltic rip currents detected by a field survey

The paper presents results of experimental investigations of currents in the nearshore region of the south Baltic Sea. The analysis is based on the field data collected near Lubiatowo (Poland) using the measuring equipment which was simultaneously operated both by the Polish and Russian research teams. The venture was aimed at detection of rip currents that are rare and insufficiently explored phenomena in the south Baltic coastal zone. The data include wind velocity and direction, deep-water wave buoy records and currents surveyed by means of drifters. The measurements were carried out in the area whose hydrodynamics, lithodynamics and morphodynamics are typical of the south Baltic sandy coast. It appears that the nearshore water flows are mostly represented by longshore wave-driven currents with mean velocities of 0.22–0.53 m/s, and the maximum velocity of 1.32 m/s. Water circulation patterns resembling rip currents with velocities of up to 0.34 m/s were identified only on one day, when specific wave conditions occurred at the study site. Contrary to strong longshore currents generated by storm waves, rip currents occur under mild or moderate wave conditions, when many beach users are willing to swim in nearshore waters. The present findings can therefore be useful for the improvement of swimmers’ safety in the south Baltic Sea regions.

Impacto de las medusas en el litoral andaluz. Implicaciones para el turismo de Sol y Playa

El turismo de Sol y Playa es una de las actividades económicas más importantes en Andalucía. Sin embargo, las playas turísticas pueden ser entornos peligrosos para los bañistas debido a la presencia de bancos de medusas y otros organismos gela­tinosos, como Physalia physalis. Dada la naturaleza del problema, realizamos un estudio integrado sobre el impacto de las medu­sas y otros organismos gelatinosos en la costa andaluza: en primer lugar, estudiamos la percepción de los usuarios de playas y la prensa local sobre la presencia de medusas; y, en segundo lugar, analizamos la distribución espacial y temporal de los avistamien­tos de medusas y otros organismos gelatinosos mediante el uso de Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Los resultados muestran que tanto los usuarios de la playa como la prensa local perciben las floraciones de medusas como un problema de creciente im­portancia. Encontramos que los avistamientos de medusas se concentraron en la temporada de verano y fueron más abundantes en el mar Mediterráneo, entre las provincias de Málaga y Granada. Pelagia noctiluca fue la medusa más avistada y se concentró en los meses de verano. Le sigue Physalia physalis, un hidrozoo marino más abundante en primavera y en el Océano Atlántico, aunque también aparece en el Mar Mediterráneo, como consecuencia de la fuerza de las borrascas atlánticas. Concluimos que la investigación sobre las floraciones de medusas y otros organismos gelatinosos potencialmente peligrosos para los usuarios de playas es crucial para el manejo integrado de la zona costera en áreas turísticas.

UK meteotsunamis: a revision and update on events and their frequency

<scp>UK</scp> meteotsunamis: a revision and update on events and their frequency

Sightings, strandings and Irukandji Syndrome caused by envenomations of the large, rarely observed jellyfish; &lt;i&gt;Keesingia gigas&lt;/i&gt; Gershwin, 2014 (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Carybdeida: Alatinidae) in north-western Australia

Beach strandings of 31 Keesingia gigas Gershwin, 2014, occurred in Exmouth Gulf, north-western Australia, between 16 and 25 March 2016, with 17 strandings recorded in just two days. Between 28 March and 31 May 2017 there were another 54 reports of K. gigas, many of multiple individuals, mostly on the Ningaloo coast west of Exmouth. These events provided an opportunity to examine this large but rarely observed jellyfish, as the only previous specimen collected was the holotype, off Shark Bay in 2012. Of 19 specimens collected and/or photographed on the beach in 2016, overall medusa length ranged from 190 to 345 mm, except for two 80 mm individuals. All but one of the smallest lacked tentacles, consistent with the original description of the species, photographs and field observations recorded in this study. The tentacles observed on the smallest animal examined may represent ontogenetic variability. Clusters of nematocysts were observed on the velarial margin of the bell. Three confirmed envenomations of adult people in 2016 did not result in them developing symptoms of Irukandji syndrome, however among six confirmed envenomations in 2017, two stings to adults resulted in some systemic Irukandji syndrome symptoms. In 2016, most sightings of K. gigas were in Exmouth Gulf, while in 2017 almost all were on the ocean side of North West Cape, indicating distribution was not solely restricted to Exmouth Gulf. Prevailing winds in the five days leading up to strandings in 2016 also suggest the jellyfish had been transported from the ocean north of Exmouth and not from within Exmouth Gulf. Similarly in 2017, prevailing winds and waves were consistent with currents moving jellyfish from north to south, with the time course of observations beginning in the northern part of Ningaloo in March and finishing in the southern section in May. All known sightings of K. gigas have been made in the March to May period in five separate years. Public awareness campaigns by the Shire of Exmouth in 2016 and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in 2017 were successful in raising awareness of the potential threat to swimmers and beach users and also proved effective in obtaining reports of the distribution of K. gigas.

User's Perceptions about Rip Currents and Their Specific Management Approaches at a Densely Occupied Urban Beach

Silva-Cavalcanti, J.S.; Silva, A. R.L; Silva, J.C.P; Araújo, M.C.B; Maragotto, M.G., and Costa, M.F., 2020. User's perceptions abourt rip currents and their specific management approaches at a densely occupied urban beach. In: Malvárez, G. and Navas, F. (eds.), Global Coastal Issues of 2020. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 95, pp. 953-957. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.This research aimed to analyze the beach user`s perceptions about rip currents and their specific management approaches at a densely occupied urban beach. Semi-structured questionnaires (N = 216) inquired beach users about use, rip currents knowledge and other hazards. When the beach user's accepted to respond the inquire, they signed an Informed Consent Form. In the 189 valid interviews, females (68%) go to Pina and Boa Viagem beaches more often than males (32%). The choice of the beach part where the beach user will remain was based on easy access (75%), security (13%) and < 6% for fashionable sites, beverages and snacks availability. Rip currents identification is poor, and many are unaware of the meaning of beach safety flags (34%). Around 35% of beach users affirmed not knowing the meaning of the red flags. According to beach users, lifeguards designate areas that are safe for bathing using a pair of red flags. So, they believed that this flag means the area is patrolled by lifeguards, and therefore safer. Other beach users associated red flags to shark attacks (66%). Beach users respondents were asked which area they thought was the safest place to swim and they selected rip channels as the safest place to swim. Beach users declared they know how to swim (71%), however with a swimming ability of < 25 m (84,5%). Information about rip currents is an essential component in developing interventions aimed at reducing the risk of drowning events. Specific management approaches (e.g. red flags) need to focus on debunking rip current myths, to improve understanding of safe swimming areas. The use of flags to indicate the occurrence of rip currents was a partially effective measure of beach management aiming at the prevention of drowning or shark attacks due to beach user's reduced knowledge about rip currents in general and flags meaning.

Groins, sand retention, and the future of Southern California’s beaches

Beaches form a significant component of the economy, history, and culture of southern California. Yet both the construction of dams and debris basins in coastal watersheds and the armoring of eroding coastal cliffs and bluffs have reduced sand supply. Ultimately, most of this beach sand is permanently lost to the submarine canyons that intercept littoral drift moving along this intensively used shoreline. Each decade the volume of lost sand is enough to build a beach 100 feet wide, 10 feet deep and 20 miles long, or a continuous beach extending from Newport Bay to San Clemente. Sea-level rise will negatively impact the beaches of southern California further, specifically those with back beach barriers such as seawalls, revetments, homes, businesses, highways, or railroads. Over 75% of the beaches in southern California are retained by structures, whether natural or artificial, and groin fields built decades ago have been important for local beach growth and stabilization efforts. While groins have been generally discouraged in recent decades in California, and there are important engineering and environmental considerations involved prior to any groin construction, the potential benefits are quite large for the intensively used beaches and growing population of southern California, particularly in light of predicted sea-level rise and public beach loss. All things considered, in many areas groins or groin fields may well meet the objectives of the California Coastal Act, which governs coastal land-use decisions. There are a number of shoreline areas in southern California where sand is in short supply, beaches are narrow, beach usage is high, and where sand retention structures could be used to widen or stabilize local beaches before sand is funneled offshore by submarine canyons intercepting littoral drift. Stabilizing and widening the beaches would add valuable recreational area, support beach ecology, provide a buffer for back beach infrastructure or development, and slow the impacts of a rising sea level.