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Perceptions of rip current myths from the central south coast of England

Perceptions of rip current myths from the central south coast of England
Perceptions of rip current myths from the central south coast of England
Rip currents (rips) are the global leading cause of fatalities on surf beaches, yet numerous long-standing misconceptions exist. Evidence of the prevalence of these myths is largely anecdotal. This opportunistic, exploratory study presents perceptions on rip current hazards (n = 187), of members of the public attending an open day at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. The survey was undertaken as a fun but informative quiz, aimed at families attending the research-facility. It also explored using such events as a conduit to gain valuable knowledge on the understanding of rip currents and other hazards. While most respondents (81%) knew appropriate escape strategies (swim parallel and stay afloat), only 11% identified what makes rips dangerous (panic), with 44% incorrectly saying that rips suck you under. Rip identification is poor, and many are unaware of the meaning of beach safety flags. This study identifies that safety communication messaging needs to focus on debunking rip current myths, to improve understanding of safe swimming areas; and to reduce panic if caught in a rip.
Rip currents, Coastal hazards, Drowning, Surf rescue, Beach safety management
0964-5691
14-20
Gallop, Shari L.
c14133fc-9141-47d9-ae9c-84c2513ea8ad
Woodward, Eleanor
47176980-fa8e-432d-b1ff-d2bb5855f9fa
Brander, Robert W.
34d83bca-5f91-4d1d-a640-77be366fa5df
Pitman, Sebastian J.
492b2a91-5c8a-44ae-9d7b-3284a8346cf0
Gallop, Shari L.
c14133fc-9141-47d9-ae9c-84c2513ea8ad
Woodward, Eleanor
47176980-fa8e-432d-b1ff-d2bb5855f9fa
Brander, Robert W.
34d83bca-5f91-4d1d-a640-77be366fa5df
Pitman, Sebastian J.
492b2a91-5c8a-44ae-9d7b-3284a8346cf0

Gallop, Shari L., Woodward, Eleanor, Brander, Robert W. and Pitman, Sebastian J. (2016) Perceptions of rip current myths from the central south coast of England. Ocean & Coastal Management, 119, 14-20. (doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2015.09.010).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Rip currents (rips) are the global leading cause of fatalities on surf beaches, yet numerous long-standing misconceptions exist. Evidence of the prevalence of these myths is largely anecdotal. This opportunistic, exploratory study presents perceptions on rip current hazards (n = 187), of members of the public attending an open day at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. The survey was undertaken as a fun but informative quiz, aimed at families attending the research-facility. It also explored using such events as a conduit to gain valuable knowledge on the understanding of rip currents and other hazards. While most respondents (81%) knew appropriate escape strategies (swim parallel and stay afloat), only 11% identified what makes rips dangerous (panic), with 44% incorrectly saying that rips suck you under. Rip identification is poor, and many are unaware of the meaning of beach safety flags. This study identifies that safety communication messaging needs to focus on debunking rip current myths, to improve understanding of safe swimming areas; and to reduce panic if caught in a rip.

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More information

Accepted/In Press date: 22 September 2015
Published date: January 2016
Keywords: Rip currents, Coastal hazards, Drowning, Surf rescue, Beach safety management
Organisations: Geology & Geophysics, Physical Oceanography

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 385656
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/385656
ISSN: 0964-5691
PURE UUID: 3eefeb42-aaa3-4a2f-a11e-47f15159a4a4

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 08 Jan 2016 11:49
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 22:21

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Contributors

Author: Shari L. Gallop
Author: Eleanor Woodward
Author: Robert W. Brander
Author: Sebastian J. Pitman

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