Beach Safety in Atypical Rip Current Systems: Testing Traditional Beach Safety Messages in Non-Traditional Settings
Beach safety in atypical rip current systems: testing traditional beach safety messages in non-traditional settings Benjamin Robert Van Leeuwen A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES) Faculty of Science Supervisors: Associate Professor Robert Brander, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia Professor Ian Turner, Water Research Laboratory, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Australia, Manly Vale, NSW, 2093, Australia July 2015 PLEASE TYPE THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Van Leeuwen First name: Benjamin Other name/s: Robert Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: MSc School: School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Faculty: Science Title: Beach safety in atypical rip current systems: testing traditional beach safety messages in non-traditional settings Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) As a major coastal process and hazard, rip currents are a topic of considerable interest from both a scientific and safety perspective. Collaborations between these two areas are a recent development, yet a scientific basis for safety information is crucial to better understanding how to avoid and mitigate the hazard presented by rip currents. One such area is the field of swimmer escape strategies. Contemporary safety advice is divided on the relative merits of a ‘Stay Afloat’ versus ‘Swim Parallel’ strategy, yet conceptual understanding of both these strategies is largely based on an idealised model of rip current morphology and flow dynamics where channels are incised in shore-connected bars.
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