Citation

Brander RW, Dominey-Howes D, Champion C, Del Vecchio O, Brighton B. Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. 2013; 13(6): 1687-1690.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Copernicus GmbH on behalf of the European Geosciences Union)

DOI

10.5194/nhess-13-1687-2013

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Rip currents are strong, narrow offshore flows of water which occur on many of the world's beaches and represent a serious hazard to bathers. In Australia, rip currents account for an average of 21 confirmed human fatalities per year. Based on an analysis of the longest existing data records, rip currents account for more human fatalities in Australia on average each year than bushfires, floods, and cyclones combined. This finding raises important questions regarding the levels of attention placed on the low intensity, but high frequency rip current hazard in relation to high profile and episodic natural hazards.

Keywords: Drowning; Drowning Prevention; Water Safety