Articles | Volume 22, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-909-2022
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-909-2022
Research article
 | 
17 Mar 2022
Research article |  | 17 Mar 2022

Characteristics and beach safety knowledge of beachgoers on unpatrolled surf beaches in Australia

Lea Uebelhoer, William Koon, Mitchell D. Harley, Jasmin C. Lawes, and Robert W. Brander

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Cited articles

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Short summary
Beachgoers at unpatrolled Australian beaches were surveyed to gain an understanding of their demographics, beach safety knowledge, and behaviour. Most visited unpatrolled beaches out of convenience and because they wanted to visit a quiet location. Despite being infrequent beachgoers, with poor swimming and hazard identification skills, most intended to enter the water. Authorities should go beyond the swim between the flags safety message, as people will always swim at unpatrolled beaches.
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