A Beach Hazard Statement (BHS) is a public alert issued by weather authorities to notify beachgoers and coastal residents of dangerous conditions in the surf zone. This alert focuses on non-thunderstorm related marine conditions that threaten safety on the beach, in nearshore waters, and on coastal structures. The BHS serves as a heads-up that conditions are hazardous enough to pose a significant risk to anyone entering the water or standing too close to the shore. It is a geographically specific notification, applying only to the defined stretch of coastline where the hazards are forecast to occur.
Who Issues a Beach Hazard Statement
The National Weather Service (NWS) is the federal agency responsible for issuing a Beach Hazard Statement for coastal areas and the Great Lakes region. Local NWS forecast offices monitor oceanic and atmospheric factors to determine the daily risk level for swimming and water activities. A BHS is typically issued when the forecast indicates a “high swim risk,” meaning conditions are dangerous but do not meet the criteria for a more severe warning.
These statements are highly localized and are based on conditions such as wind speed, direction, and wave height, which directly influence current severity. For instance, an onshore wind blowing over a long distance of open water (the fetch) can pile up larger, more hazardous waves against the shore. The NWS uses the BHS to communicate this heightened risk, allowing the public and local authorities to prepare for predicted dangerous conditions.
Specific Dangers Covered By the Statement
The core purpose of a Beach Hazard Statement is to communicate the enhanced threat posed by dangerous currents and surf conditions. The most common and life-threatening danger is the presence of powerful rip currents, which are narrow channels of water moving swiftly away from the shore. These currents can rapidly pull swimmers into deeper water, leading to exhaustion and panic. The BHS also highlights the risk from high surf, generally defined by hazardous wave heights often reaching three to five feet or more, making swimming extremely difficult.
The BHS addresses dangerous longshore currents, which flow parallel to the shoreline and can sweep a person along the beach. Structural currents are also a concern, forming near man-made objects like piers, jetties, and breakwalls where wave interaction creates a concentrated, seaward flow. The statement may also warn of sneaker waves, which are unexpectedly large waves that surge far up the beach, capable of knocking people down and pulling them into the water.
Distinguishing Statements from Other Alerts
The Beach Hazard Statement occupies a specific place within the hierarchy of alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), which uses a tiered system of Watch, Advisory, and Warning. A “Statement” functions as a first alert, indicating that hazardous conditions are expected or occurring, but they are typically less severe or less imminent than a full warning. It draws attention to a specific, non-weather related hazard, such as dangerous currents.
An “Advisory” is issued for conditions that are hazardous but not life-threatening, causing significant inconvenience and requiring caution. A “Watch” is used when conditions are favorable for a dangerous event, but the timing and location are still uncertain, allowing time for preparation. In contrast, a “Warning” signifies that a weather or environmental hazard is either occurring or is imminent, posing a direct threat to life and property. A Coastal Flood Warning, for instance, implies an immediate, severe threat requiring protective action.
Essential Safety Measures During a Beach Hazard Statement
When a Beach Hazard Statement is in effect, the most prudent action is to remain completely out of the water to eliminate the risk from dangerous currents and high surf. Safety officials recommend, “When the waves are high, stay dry,” emphasizing that even skilled swimmers can be overcome by turbulent conditions. If observing the water, stay well back from the edge, as sneaker waves can suddenly surge up the beach.
Coastal structures like jetties, piers, and breakwalls are particularly hazardous due to powerful structural currents. People should avoid walking on these structures, as large waves and strong currents can easily sweep a person off their feet. If entering the water is unavoidable, always choose a beach with an active lifeguard presence and swim only within designated, monitored areas. If caught in a rip current, float and swim parallel to the shore instead of directly against the current.