University of Victoria/ Université de Victoria

Purpose

To develop prediction tools for an objective risk assessment of marine hazards affecting recreational users of beaches and near shore waters. The research utilizes video and infrared cameras on beaches, near shore moorings, coastal radar system, and high-resolution wave model to establish statistics or run up and rip currents. Routine wave forecasts are used to assess the risk of dangerous run up and rip currents, including: -likelihood of encountering extreme waves on beaches -temporal and spatial distribution of wave run up and of rip currents -likelihood of unexpected run up -conditions for extreme deep water waves to transform into dangerous run up -extraction of these conditions from routine wave forecasts -effective monitoring of wave run up and rip currents These results, including routine warnings will be made available to the public and local partners via the Coast Smart initiative, helping the provide a safe experience for visitors to Canadian beaches.