A preliminary studies to assess public knowledge of beach safety in east coast Malaysia

Nur Adawiyah Mohammed Isa, Muhammad Zahir Ramli (), Siti Fairuz Che Othman and Muhammad Zubir Yusof
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Nur Adawiyah Mohammed Isa: Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Muhammad Zahir Ramli: Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Siti Fairuz Che Othman: Kuliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia
Muhammad Zubir Yusof: International Islamic University Malaysia

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2021, vol. 107, issue 1, No 39, 873-887

Abstract: Abstract Rip currents are one of the coastal hazards that put Malaysian beachgoers in a risky position. Most of the drowning accidents that occur at beaches worldwide are closely associated with this phenomenon. Research on rip currents is needed to build an effective measuring tool to overcome these issues. However, to date, research on rip currents is mainly focused on its physical aspects, commonly concentrating on the processes that influence and relate to the rips’ generation. As an effort to minimize the negative consequences exerted by the rips, there is an urgent need to enhance the rip-related research in the social sciences field. Comprehensive research that includes all fields might produce more beneficial and reliable information. Therefore, this study intends to examine the level of public understanding of rip currents and beach safety knowledge of the Teluk Cempedak Beach. A questionnaire comprising 5 sections and 31 questions was developed as the primary tool in this study. A total of 60 beachgoers have been surveyed for this preliminary study through a questionnaire to investigate their demographic profile, frequency of visiting the beach, swimming ability, and their knowledge of rip currents and beach safety. The results show that the beachgoers have poor knowledge of rip currents. Conversely, they are observed to have higher beach safety knowledge. Also, the findings help in filling the research gaps of this study in terms of the instrument used for the data collection procedure. Above all, an extension of this study may contribute to the development of beneficial tools in assessing public knowledge on beach safety and rip currents throughout Malaysian beaches.

Keywords: Rip currents; Public knowledge; Beach safety; Drowning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-021-04613-z

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