RESEARCH:

Public perceptions of a rip current hazard education program: “Break the Grip of the Rip!”

UNIVERSITY OR ORGANISATION: University of Windsor, Texas A&M University, UNSW Sydney, Center for Operational Oceanographic Products & Services, National Weather Service USA

Rip currents pose a major global beach hazard; estimates of annual rip-current-related deaths in the United States alone range from 35 to 100 per year. Despite increased social research into beach-goer experience, little is known about levels of rip current knowledge within the general population. This study describes the results of 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.

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