Articles | Volume 17, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-17-1003-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-17-1003-2017
© Author(s) 2017. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Jul 2017
Research article |
| 04 Jul 2017
Public perceptions of a rip current hazard education program: “Break the Grip of the Rip!”
Chris Houser
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences,
University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue,
Windsor, N9B 3P4, Ontario, Canada
Sarah Trimble
Department of Geography, Texas A&M University,
810 O&M Building,
College Station, 77843-3148, Texas, USA
Robert Brander
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences,
UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
B. Chris Brewster
United States Lifesaving Association, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
Greg Dusek
NOAA/National Ocean Service,
Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services,
1305 East West Highway, SSMC4 #6636,
Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
Deborah Jones
National Weather Service,
Marine, Tropical, and Tsunami Services Branch, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
John Kuhn
NOAA/National Ocean Service,
Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services,
1305 East West Highway, SSMC4 #6636,
Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
Viewed
Total article views: 3,927 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
| HTML | XML | Total | BibTeX | EndNote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,187 | 1,508 | 232 | 3,927 | 126 | 172 |
- HTML: 2,187
- PDF: 1,508
- XML: 232
- Total: 3,927
- BibTeX: 126
- EndNote: 172
Cumulative views and downloads
(calculated since 30 Jan 2017)
Total article views: 3,365 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
Cumulative views and downloads
(calculated since 04 Jul 2017)
| HTML | XML | Total | BibTeX | EndNote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,933 | 1,230 | 202 | 3,365 | 114 | 149 |
- HTML: 1,933
- PDF: 1,230
- XML: 202
- Total: 3,365
- BibTeX: 114
- EndNote: 149
Total article views: 562 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
Cumulative views and downloads
(calculated since 30 Jan 2017)
| HTML | XML | Total | BibTeX | EndNote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 254 | 278 | 30 | 562 | 12 | 23 |
- HTML: 254
- PDF: 278
- XML: 30
- Total: 562
- BibTeX: 12
- EndNote: 23
Viewed (geographical distribution)
Total article views: 3,927 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
Thereof 3,927 with geography defined
and 0 with unknown origin.
Total article views: 3,365 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
Thereof 3,365 with geography defined
and 0 with unknown origin.
Total article views: 562 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
Thereof 548 with geography defined
and 14 with unknown origin.
| Country | # | Views | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | 1 | 1626 | 41 |
| Canada | 2 | 640 | 16 |
| China | 3 | 338 | 8 |
| Germany | 4 | 315 | 8 |
| Australia | 5 | 205 | 5 |
| Country | # | Views | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | 1 | 1304 | 38 |
| Canada | 2 | 607 | 18 |
| China | 3 | 321 | 9 |
| Germany | 4 | 257 | 7 |
| Australia | 5 | 185 | 5 |
| Country | # | Views | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States of America | 1 | 322 | 57 |
| Germany | 2 | 58 | 10 |
| Canada | 3 | 33 | 5 |
| Australia | 4 | 20 | 3 |
| China | 5 | 17 | 3 |
| Total: | 0 |
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Cited
39 citations as recorded by crossref.
- Machine learning analysis of lifeguard flag decisions and recorded rescues C. Houser et al. 10.5194/nhess-19-2541-2019
- Automated rip current detection with region based convolutional neural networks A. de Silva et al. 10.1016/j.coastaleng.2021.103859
- Identifying risk factors and implications for beach drowning prevention amongst an Australian multicultural community M. Woods et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0262175
- Çeken Akıntılar ve Karadeniz’de Boğulma Olaylarının İncelenmesi M. ABDÜSSELAM 10.35341/afet.1213842
- Rip Current Identification in Optical Images Using Wavelet Transform H. Wang et al. 10.3390/jmse13040707
- Coastal drowning: A scoping review of burden, risk factors, and prevention strategies W. Koon et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0246034
- Evaluating the effectiveness of a science-based community beach safety intervention: The Science of the Surf (SOS) presentation R. Brander et al. 10.1016/j.csr.2022.104722
- Short communication: public interest in rip currents relative to other natural hazards: evidence from Google search data C. Houser et al. 10.1007/s11069-019-03696-z
- Characteristics and beach safety knowledge of beachgoers on unpatrolled surf beaches in Australia L. Uebelhoer et al. 10.5194/nhess-22-909-2022
- Lifeguarding Operational Camera Kiosk System (LOCKS) for flash rip warning: Development and application Y. Liu & C. Wu 10.1016/j.coastaleng.2019.103537
- Beach user competencies in rip current identification using videos and photographs on a New Zealand surf beach R. Irvine et al. 10.1007/s11069-024-07089-9
- Impact of COVID-19 on drowning patterns in the Great Lakes region of North America C. Houser & B. Vlodarchyk 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105570
- How water, wind, waves and ice shape landscapes and landforms: Historical contributions to geomorphic science J. Gardner 10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.02.031
- Public awareness of rip currents among American adults C. O’Halloran & M. Silver 10.1007/s11069-024-06761-4
- Preliminary Investigation and Analysis of Beachgoers’ Awareness of Rip Currents in South China D. Zhu et al. 10.3390/ijerph20054471
- Perception of beach safety at a destination beach on the Great Lakes C. Houser & A. Smith 10.1111/cag.12896
- Investigating beachgoer’s perception of coastal bathing risks in southwest France J. Dehez et al. 10.1007/s11069-024-06715-w
- Can the visualization of rip currents prevent drowning accidents? Consideration of the effect of optimism bias S. Endo et al. 10.1007/s11069-021-05023-x
- The psychology of beach users: importance of confirmation bias, action, and intention to improving rip current safety A. Ménard et al. 10.1007/s11069-018-3424-7
- A 15-year partnership between UK coastal scientists and the international beach lifeguard community T. Scott et al. 10.1016/j.csr.2022.104732
- Familiarity with beach warning flags in the Netherlands F. Roefs et al. 10.1016/j.ssci.2022.105952
- Economic Burden and Costs of Drowning in Costa Rica C. Houser et al. 10.1080/08920753.2025.2469292
- Beachgoers' ability to identify rip currents at a beach in situ S. Pitman et al. 10.5194/nhess-21-115-2021
- Short communication: evidence for geologic control of rip channels along Prince Edward Island, Canada P. Wernette & C. Houser 10.1080/02723646.2021.1923389
- Correspondence of Beach User Perception, Lifesaving Strategies and Rip Currents: Implications for Beach Management S. Locknick & C. Houser 10.1080/08920753.2021.1967561
- Determining Beach User Knowledge of Rip Currents in Costa Rica I. Llopis et al. 10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-17-00131.1
- Estimations of rip current rescues and drowning in the United States B. Brewster et al. 10.5194/nhess-19-389-2019
- Rip current literacy of beachgoers at Miami Beach, Florida K. Fallon et al. 10.1007/s11069-017-3060-7
- Surf zone hazards and injuries on beaches in SW France B. Castelle et al. 10.1007/s11069-018-3354-4
- Spatial and Temporal Variation of Surf Drownings in the Great Lakes: 2010–17 B. Vlodarchyk et al. 10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-18-00027.1
- A preliminary studies to assess public knowledge of beach safety in east coast Malaysia N. Mohammed Isa et al. 10.1007/s11069-021-04613-z
- Flow-Based Rip Current Detection and Visualization I. Mori et al. 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3140340
- What is a shore dump?: Exploring Australian university students’ beach safety knowledge and their perceptions of Australian beach safety signage M. Shibata et al. 10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106366
- Awareness without learning: A preliminary study exploring the effects of beachgoer's experiences on risk taking behaviours P. Kamstra et al. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12186
- Dying to help: Fatal bystander rescues in Australian coastal environments J. Lawes et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0238317
- THE IMPROVEMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT AWARENESS BY VISUALIZED RIP CURRENT AMONG BEACH USERS S. ENDO et al. 10.2208/jscejoe.75.I_701
- Samsun-Atakum Kıyılarının Rip Akıntı Tehlikesinin İncelenmesi D. ÖZTÜRK & E. MARAŞ 10.35341/afet.1083744
- Using ERIC to Assess Implementation Science in Drowning Prevention Interventions in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review M. Della Bona et al. 10.3390/ijerph21010045
- Beach safety knowledge of visiting international study abroad students to Australia K. Clifford et al. 10.1016/j.tourman.2018.06.032
39 citations as recorded by crossref.
- Machine learning analysis of lifeguard flag decisions and recorded rescues C. Houser et al. 10.5194/nhess-19-2541-2019
- Automated rip current detection with region based convolutional neural networks A. de Silva et al. 10.1016/j.coastaleng.2021.103859
- Identifying risk factors and implications for beach drowning prevention amongst an Australian multicultural community M. Woods et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0262175
- Çeken Akıntılar ve Karadeniz’de Boğulma Olaylarının İncelenmesi M. ABDÜSSELAM 10.35341/afet.1213842
- Rip Current Identification in Optical Images Using Wavelet Transform H. Wang et al. 10.3390/jmse13040707
- Coastal drowning: A scoping review of burden, risk factors, and prevention strategies W. Koon et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0246034
- Evaluating the effectiveness of a science-based community beach safety intervention: The Science of the Surf (SOS) presentation R. Brander et al. 10.1016/j.csr.2022.104722
- Short communication: public interest in rip currents relative to other natural hazards: evidence from Google search data C. Houser et al. 10.1007/s11069-019-03696-z
- Characteristics and beach safety knowledge of beachgoers on unpatrolled surf beaches in Australia L. Uebelhoer et al. 10.5194/nhess-22-909-2022
- Lifeguarding Operational Camera Kiosk System (LOCKS) for flash rip warning: Development and application Y. Liu & C. Wu 10.1016/j.coastaleng.2019.103537
- Beach user competencies in rip current identification using videos and photographs on a New Zealand surf beach R. Irvine et al. 10.1007/s11069-024-07089-9
- Impact of COVID-19 on drowning patterns in the Great Lakes region of North America C. Houser & B. Vlodarchyk 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2021.105570
- How water, wind, waves and ice shape landscapes and landforms: Historical contributions to geomorphic science J. Gardner 10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.02.031
- Public awareness of rip currents among American adults C. O’Halloran & M. Silver 10.1007/s11069-024-06761-4
- Preliminary Investigation and Analysis of Beachgoers’ Awareness of Rip Currents in South China D. Zhu et al. 10.3390/ijerph20054471
- Perception of beach safety at a destination beach on the Great Lakes C. Houser & A. Smith 10.1111/cag.12896
- Investigating beachgoer’s perception of coastal bathing risks in southwest France J. Dehez et al. 10.1007/s11069-024-06715-w
- Can the visualization of rip currents prevent drowning accidents? Consideration of the effect of optimism bias S. Endo et al. 10.1007/s11069-021-05023-x
- The psychology of beach users: importance of confirmation bias, action, and intention to improving rip current safety A. Ménard et al. 10.1007/s11069-018-3424-7
- A 15-year partnership between UK coastal scientists and the international beach lifeguard community T. Scott et al. 10.1016/j.csr.2022.104732
- Familiarity with beach warning flags in the Netherlands F. Roefs et al. 10.1016/j.ssci.2022.105952
- Economic Burden and Costs of Drowning in Costa Rica C. Houser et al. 10.1080/08920753.2025.2469292
- Beachgoers' ability to identify rip currents at a beach in situ S. Pitman et al. 10.5194/nhess-21-115-2021
- Short communication: evidence for geologic control of rip channels along Prince Edward Island, Canada P. Wernette & C. Houser 10.1080/02723646.2021.1923389
- Correspondence of Beach User Perception, Lifesaving Strategies and Rip Currents: Implications for Beach Management S. Locknick & C. Houser 10.1080/08920753.2021.1967561
- Determining Beach User Knowledge of Rip Currents in Costa Rica I. Llopis et al. 10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-17-00131.1
- Estimations of rip current rescues and drowning in the United States B. Brewster et al. 10.5194/nhess-19-389-2019
- Rip current literacy of beachgoers at Miami Beach, Florida K. Fallon et al. 10.1007/s11069-017-3060-7
- Surf zone hazards and injuries on beaches in SW France B. Castelle et al. 10.1007/s11069-018-3354-4
- Spatial and Temporal Variation of Surf Drownings in the Great Lakes: 2010–17 B. Vlodarchyk et al. 10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-18-00027.1
- A preliminary studies to assess public knowledge of beach safety in east coast Malaysia N. Mohammed Isa et al. 10.1007/s11069-021-04613-z
- Flow-Based Rip Current Detection and Visualization I. Mori et al. 10.1109/ACCESS.2022.3140340
- What is a shore dump?: Exploring Australian university students’ beach safety knowledge and their perceptions of Australian beach safety signage M. Shibata et al. 10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106366
- Awareness without learning: A preliminary study exploring the effects of beachgoer's experiences on risk taking behaviours P. Kamstra et al. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12186
- Dying to help: Fatal bystander rescues in Australian coastal environments J. Lawes et al. 10.1371/journal.pone.0238317
- THE IMPROVEMENT OF RISK MANAGEMENT AWARENESS BY VISUALIZED RIP CURRENT AMONG BEACH USERS S. ENDO et al. 10.2208/jscejoe.75.I_701
- Samsun-Atakum Kıyılarının Rip Akıntı Tehlikesinin İncelenmesi D. ÖZTÜRK & E. MARAŞ 10.35341/afet.1083744
- Using ERIC to Assess Implementation Science in Drowning Prevention Interventions in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review M. Della Bona et al. 10.3390/ijerph21010045
- Beach safety knowledge of visiting international study abroad students to Australia K. Clifford et al. 10.1016/j.tourman.2018.06.032
Latest update: 10 Aug 2025
Short summary
Rip currents pose a major global beach hazard. Despite increased social research into beach-goer experience, little is known about levels of rip current knowledge within the general population. This study describes 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 materials. Results suggest a need for locally specific and verified rip forecasts and signage.
Rip currents pose a major global beach hazard. Despite increased social research into beach-goer...
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