Test your knowledge of beach safety with NOAA’s new campaign to increase Blue IQ
NOAA has recently launched a campaign in collaboration with the Ocean Positive Foundation and the Smithsonian Institution to increase awareness about beach safety. The new video series, “Blue IQ,” aims to educate beachgoers on common coastal water hazards, especially as the summer beach season peaks. Fatalities related to beach dangers like rip currents and high surf have been alarmingly high over the past decade, with most victims being males aged between 10-29. The majority of these fatalities occur during the months of June and July in the United States.
The main goal of the video series is to bridge the gap between people’s perceptions of their swimming abilities and the actual risks present in the ocean. “Beaches are places where families create lasting memories each summer, but it is crucial to understand the potential dangers of swimming in ocean waters,” stated Nicole LeBoeuf, director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service. Misconceptions about one’s swimming skills in the ocean can lead to dangerous situations, making education and preparation essential for beach safety.
In the first episode of the video series, titled “Not Sure? Stay on Shore!” host Bruckner Chase emphasizes the importance of being aware of one’s limitations in unfamiliar beach environments. The video encourages beach visitors to observe the waves and water from a safe distance upon arrival, particularly focusing on the swash zone where dangerous currents and rip tides can occur. By studying the ocean dynamics like a basketball player reads the defense, individuals can identify potential risks and choose the safest path to enjoy a fun beach day.
The new video series builds upon previous NOAA campaigns to engage a younger audience in understanding beach hazards. The National Weather Service classifies surf zone fatalities into three categories, including rip currents, sneaker waves, and high surf, underscoring the importance of checking weather and wave forecasts before visiting the beach. Ken Graham, director of NOAA’s National Weather Service, emphasizes the significance of being informed about coastal conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable beach experience.
CEO of Ocean Positive Foundation, Bruckner Chase, highlights the need for beach visitors to be prepared and aware of potential dangers, even on seemingly calm days. Understanding local wave dynamics and currents is crucial, especially for individuals who may not frequently visit the beach. Many beachgoers underestimate the difficulty of swimming in the ocean compared to pool swimming, particularly young adults who may overestimate their swimming abilities in coastal waters.
The “Blue IQ” video series aims to equip beach visitors with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe and prevent accidents at the beach. By promoting education and awareness about common beach hazards, NOAA hopes to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries related to rip currents, sneaker waves, and high surf. Stay tuned for more informative videos from the “Blue IQ” series to enhance your beach safety IQ and enjoy a worry-free day by the ocean.