Beachgoers' ability to identify rip currents at a beach in situ

Abstract. Rip currents (“rips”) are the leading cause of drowning on surf beaches worldwide. A major contributing factor is that many beachgoers unable to identify rip currents. Previous research has attempted quantify beachgoers' identification ability using photographs without identifying whether this usefully translates into an a current in situ at beach. This study first compare and beach New Zealand (Muriwai Beach) where channel was present. Only 22 % respondents were able current. The highest rates success for males (33 %), residents (25 local users (29 %). Of all who successful situ, 62 active surfers/bodyboarders, 28 swimmers. two photographs, only 34 translate identification, which suggests by worse than reported previous studies involving photographs. highlights difficulty successfully reality not necessarily useful means teaching individuals It advocates use more immersive realistic education strategies, such as virtual headsets showing moving imagery (videos) order improve ability.