Environment understanding, signage perception and safety education in Biscay beachgoers under the view of lifeguards

In Biscay beaches, the Biscay Regional Council (BRC) is in charge of looking after the safety of beachgoers. Its aim is to reduce drownings and accidents to zero. Lifeguard services during the summer seasons should be enough to reach this target. But not everything depends on them. There is another key factor to consider: beach users and the extent to which they obey the rules for bathing. Beach users carry out different activities in the surf area, which increases the hazards and the disputes between them. Proactive action such as warning signage and environment education are useful tools to increase beachgoers awareness of the potential risks and how to avoid them. The motivation for this study is to analyze beachgoers’ environmental understanding, their signage perception and their behavior and safety education, from the point of view of the lifeguards. Methodology is based on a main survey for lifeguards and a secondary survey for users. The analysis of the results shows the need for a common safety educational plan and a standardized flag and signage plan supported by the Spanish Authorities.