Expanding a Diverse and Engaged Network to Improve Community Resilience to Coastal Hazards

Surf hazards are one of the leading causes of weather fatalities across the US and globally; however, incidents can be prevented with proper education. Across the weather enterprise, groups are working to collect data that will improve forecasts and warning systems, as well as engaging the community in an attempt to raise awareness. NY Sea Grant and MARACOOS developed the Surf Hazards Awareness and Research Coordination in an effort to connect the diverse stakeholders working across disciplines in order to share best practices, up-to-date research, and collaborate. Some examples of work done this past year include, providing a platform to disseminate information about and need for proper translation of surf hazards, specifically rip currents, and partnering with a local community-based organization to obtain funding for an environmental justice area in New York City to incorporate surf hazards into their Know Before You Go swimming curriculum. Other future work is planned to conduct research on rip currents utilizing surf cameras, expanding upon the current WebCOOS network and continuing to expand the network throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. SHARC is an example of how the weather enterprise is working within itself and with communities to build a weather-ready nation. Communities that have access to data and are able to use it to inform critical decision-making are likely to increase their readiness, responsiveness, and resilience to high-impact weather events.