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

City and County Beach ParkCity and County Beach Park

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

Project Website DEMO

MAHALOMAHALO