ABSTRACT
Beach hazards have historically been addressed in terms of damage to property and infrastructure. In recent years, scientists have started to develop an understanding of hazards and risks to beach users (Lushine, 1991; Short and Hogan, 1994; Leahy et al., 1996; Lascody, 1998; Short, 1999; Short, 2001; Engle et al., 2002; Hartmann, 2006; Sherker et al., 2008). Application of improved knowledge of beach morphodynamics and rip currents for beach safety was initiated in Australia, principally through the work of Short (1999). He applied beach state models to hazard assessment, leading to the development of inventories of beach types and hazards for all Australian beaches.
