Approaches for Beach Safety and Education in Ghana: A Case Study for Developing Countries with a Surf Coast

Authors

Cara E. Hammerton, Surf Educators InternationalFollow
Robert W. Brander, The University of New South Wales
Nicholas Dawe, Surf Educators International
Craig Riddington, Surf Educators International
Roger Engel, Macquarie University

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.03.08

Abstract

Beach drowning in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC’S) like the west African nation of Ghana, is a poorly understood problem. A physical site assessment of the Ghana coast was undertaken to determine beach types, hazards, and the potential for implementing community surf education and lifeguarding services. A questionnaire survey was administered to 346 participants in coastal regions providing information related to beach drowning. Results demonstrated that a significant number of drownings occur on this wave-dominated coastline, particularly on public holidays, with 82% of participants knowing someone who had drowned. Ignorance of the rip current hazard was evident with 37% of participants, particularly students, indicating they would swim in a hazardous rip current location. The majority of participants (57%) indicated they would seek help when they saw someone in a dangerous situation. These results indicate a strong need for community beach safety education and lifeguard services in Ghana.

Recommended Citation

Hammerton, Cara E.; Brander, Robert W.; Dawe, Nicholas; Riddington, Craig; and Engel, Roger (2013) "Approaches for Beach Safety and Education in Ghana: A Case Study for Developing Countries with a Surf Coast," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 7: No. 3, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.07.03.08
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol7/iss3/8