August 2012 (ROTM#44) Rip Current Signs

I guess because I’m a scientist and therefore partially a geek, I love collecting pictures of beach signs relating to rip currents. Some are pretty useless and have no educational value at all, while others have so much writing on them, people instantly become bored and ignore them completely. Creating a good sign that attracts attention, actually motivates people to read it and has educational material is a real challenge. Or you can just use fear tactics and intimidation. That’s why this sign is my favourite.

 I don’t know where it’s from or who took it because I copied it off the web years ago, but I suspect it’s in the US. Not only does it remind swimmers how many people have drowned and that they are in mortal peril if they go swimming, but they can also get fined! The unfortunate reality is that most signs just aren’t effective. Plenty of studies have shown that people don’t pay attention to them because we get so much ‘sign pollution’ we just switch off. One of the biggest problems with rip current and beach safety signs is that they also make a pretty good place to hang your towel. So there’s a challenge for you creative types...create the perfect rip current sign. We need one badly!

Most people are cheap. This could work.