Rip currents are the number one public safety risk to people visiting beaches in the United States, according to the United States Life Savings Association (USLA). USLA estimates that the annual number of deaths due to rip currents on our nation's beaches exceeds 100. Other hazards (waves and other currents) also contribute to numerous drowning each year.
Surf related drownings were collected, 2010 to 2021, from the National Weater Service (NWS) Storm Data archive and verified reports of hazards not included in Storm Data. Through the use of ArcGis Pro, demographic information was analyzed to determine linkages and trends to drownings in the surf zone and a dashboard was built to enable spatial and temporal representation and analysis of fatality statsitics. Certain trends became immediately clear, such as the fact that the vast majority of drowning victims are males, and/or between the ages of 10 and 29. These events occur primarily during the months of May through August. Numerous fatalities were tourists who traveled hundreds of miles to the beach. This data provides important information about behavior, vulnerability of different demographics, and geographic hot spots and helps the NWS consider the best possible avenues to communicate with people effectively. This information is being used by partners across the Weather enterprise to help amplify appropriate actions to protect oneself.