Correspondence of Beach User Perception, Lifesaving Strategies and Rip Currents: Implications for Beach Management

Abstract Rip currents at beaches are a public health hazard, with the potential to have serious socio-economic impacts on coastal communities globally, particularly those that depend on tourists. The potential for drowning or rescue depends on a combination of physical and social factors, and this is the first study to examine the relationship amongst the presence and location of rips, beach user intentions and behavior, and the hazard level identified by the lifeguards. Results of a survey administered in the summer of 2019 at Cavendish Beach and Brackley Beaches along the north shore of Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, suggests that beach user intention and perception of the rip current hazard may not accurately reflect their actions. Despite being aware of beach hazards, most beach users and in particular the tourists to the area, did not observe beach warnings. Their activity on the beach also appears to be influenced by the design of the beach access and the presence of other beach users. Respondents who could not recall the hazard level defined by beach flags and signs on the boardwalk tended to sit further away from the access point and lifeguards. Most of the respondents were tourists who were at a higher risk of needing rescue or drowning caused by rip currents due to their lack of rip knowledge and familiarity with those beaches. It is argued that the potential for drownings and rescues can be mitigated through changes in the design of the beach access and the distribution of lifeguard resources, but further research into the correspondence of beach user perception, lifesaving strategies and rip currents is required.