Managing beach amenities to reduce exposure to coastal hazards: Storm water pollution

Despite posted warnings and educational campaigns warning about the health risks associated with storm water pollution, swimmers continue to swim in c oastal areas polluted by storm water runoff. This study uses a simple spati al model of beach visitation to show how beach amenities and storm drains i nfluence the way in which beach goers choose to locate themselves at beache s in Santa Monica Bay, California. The estimated models indicate that passi ve means of preventing exposure to marine pollution (e.g., posted signs) co uld be made significantly more effective if combined with the active manage ment of other beach amenities. Similar methods also could be used to reduce risks to swimmers from other hazards including riptides and boat traffic.