ocean safety presented by: ocean safety and lifeguard services division
TRANSCRIPT
OCEAN SAFETYOCEAN SAFETY
Presented by: Ocean Safety Presented by: Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Divisionand Lifeguard Services Division
Goals Goals Develop a
comprehensive, standardized and scientific beach information resource for Hawaii beaches
Location Physical
characteristics
Access Facilities Usage
Rescues Physical Hazards Biological hazards Level of public risk
under various wave, tide and weather conditions
increase public awarenessresidents and visitors information accessible via
internet additional CDs distributed
GoalsGoals
Who is involved?Who is involved?
Coastal Geology Group (CGG), University of Hawaii
Professor Andrew D. Short, University of Sydney, AU
City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii
Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division
Hawaiian Lifeguard Association
Methodology: Methodology: Data CollectionData Collection
Data on each beach is acquired from a range of interrelated sources:
Field Survey – Professor Short. Imagery – Coastal Geology Group GIS layers
– City and County of Honolulu
GIS layers – State of Hawaii
Beach conditions – Hawaiian
Lifeguard Association
Methodology: Methodology: Data CollectionData Collection
Field survey conducted New ground photography
and oblique photography acquired Between 2003 and 2004 Cessna plane at 2000 ft
with window open
Data AnalysisData Analysis
Beach hazard rating values developed by Professor Short used Excel spreadsheet based on first appraisal from field trip
Physical descriptions and beach hazards written by Professor Short Oahu and Maui shorelines Beach hazards described using method
developed by the Australian Beach Safety & Management Program (ABSAMP)
Beach HazardsBeach HazardsDefinition: elements of beach environment that expose the public to danger or harm water depth (deep and shallow), breaking waves, variable surf zone topography, surf zone currents (rip currents)
Also include
local hazard such as
rocks, reefs, headlands, and inlets.
Beach Hazard RatingBeach Hazard Rating Rates beach according to the hazards associated
with its shape and natural wave and current conditions.
To provide an effective method of scientifically rating both the average and prevailing hazards on
each beach, for the range of conditions that each beach may experience.
Beach Hazard RatingBeach Hazard Rating
Rating range 1 = least hazardous1 = least hazardous 10 = extremely hazardous10 = extremely hazardous
Two types of ratings assigned: Shoreline RatingShoreline Rating extending across
beach to 150 feet offshore Outer RatingOuter Rating referring to conditions
further than 150 feet from shore, usually out on the reef or reef breaks
Beach Hazard RatingBeach Hazard Rating
Rating determined by a wave height and shoreline type matrix
Individually adjusted using local factors Particularly nature of associated
fringing/barrier reefs: Factors increasing rating - higher local waves,
more channels and rips through reef Factors decreasing rating - lower local waves,
continuous or deeper reef (no rips)
Assessment of HazardsAssessment of Hazards - Coastal Geology Group
(CGG) Submission of Professor Short’s
information to CGG Beach descriptions Shoreline data Digital images
Processing by CGG Generation of GIS layers Assessment of hazards Data distribution
Assessment of Hazards Assessment of Hazards by Coastal Geology Group (CGG)by Coastal Geology Group (CGG)
Additional information provided by Hawaiian Lifeguard Association
•Beach park locations•GIS layers•Surf and rip•Current data•Maps•Presence of lifeguards•Ease of accessibility•Availability of parking and facilities
Beach Hazard Map Beach Hazard Map - City and County Beach - City and County Beach ParkPark
Locations of major rip currents and surf breaks
Other natural and cultural features relevant to water safety
Adjacent shoreline features included
Aerial photography as base, depicting park boundaries, and other coastal features:
Data Distribution Data Distribution
available for download and printing in high-resolution format through internet and CDs.
A description for every beach on O’ahu Each beach provided with associated
information individual beach description high-resolution image beach data table
Summary Summary Developed beach information
resource for O’ahu and Maui Comprehensive and standardized Scientific basis
Generation of user-friendly website making information accessible to public Beach descriptions Hazard summaries High resolution images
Further Goals Further Goals
Incorporate other counties Provide increasingly
detailed information on most popular beaches
Integrate live weather and surf information into Beach Hazard Ratings
Develop dynamic maps, beach data, beach hazard ratings and beach images via the web.
For more informationFor more information
Project Website:
www.soest.hawaii.edu/coasts/OceanSafety/
Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/esd/oceansafety/index.htm
Coastal Geology Group: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/coasts/cgg_main.html
Hawaiian Lifeguard Association: http://www.aloha.com/%7Elifeguards/hla.html
Australian Beach Safety & Management Program http://www.slsa.asn.au/doc_display.asp?document_id=102