Public understanding of rip current and beach safety at Teluk Cempedak Recreational Beach in Pahang, Malaysia

Muhammad Zubir Yusof, Muhammad Zahir Ramli (), Siti Fairuz Che Othman, Yusairah Amani Mohd Aliziyad, Juliana Mohamed, Muhammad Faiz Pa’suya, Abdul Nasir Abdul Ghafar and Waheb A. Jabbar
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Muhammad Zubir Yusof: International Islamic University Malaysia
Muhammad Zahir Ramli: International Islamic University Malaysia
Siti Fairuz Che Othman: International Islamic University Malaysia
Yusairah Amani Mohd Aliziyad: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Juliana Mohamed: International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
Muhammad Faiz Pa’suya: Universiti Teknologi MARA
Abdul Nasir Abdul Ghafar: Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Waheb A. Jabbar: Birmingham City University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2023, vol. 115, issue 1, No 19, 489-506

Abstract: Abstract Rip currents are known to be a global public health issue and have been extensively contributed to the coastguard rescues and drowning cases at recreational beaches. Most studies in Malaysia have focused on the physical control of rip currents, with little emphasis on social factors. This study aims to assess the public knowledge of rip currents and beach safety at Teluk Cempedak Recreational Beach (TCRB) in Pahang, Malaysia. A convenience sampling technique was used to conduct a cross-sectional study among 300 beachgoers in TCRB. All data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were computed to identify factors associated with satisfactory knowledge of rip current and beach safety. More than half of the respondents were females (51%) and residents of Kuantan (62%). Out of 300 respondents, 160 (53.3%) had a satisfactory knowledge of rip currents, while a higher number of respondents (n = 221, 73.7%) had an unsatisfactory knowledge of beach safety. Those aged 35 and up, females, and those who had never had difficulty with water activities at the beach were more likely to have satisfactory knowledge of rip currents. The only factor found to be significantly related to satisfactory beach safety knowledge was age (35 years old). In conclusion, the respondents were concerned about rip currents, but they had inadequate knowledge of beach safety. Therefore, the development of effective beach safety education programmes is needed in Malaysia.

Keywords: Beach safety; Coastal hazards; Drowning; Public knowledge; Rip currents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-022-05563-w

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