PARTNERSHIPS

The SHARC Network was created through a partnership between the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG). MARACOOS is committed to supporting coastal stakeholders by collecting and sharing data that improves resilience to coastal surf hazards in the Mid-Atlantic. New York Sea Grant supports research and provides education and outreach of coastal issues, including surf hazards, to various audiences, ranging from academics to municipal officials and beachgoers. The formation of this collaboration falls within priority areas for both MARACOOS and NYSG, specifically maritime safety and coastal hazards and resilient New York communities and economies, respectively.

Participants in the SHARC Network range from university professors and researchers at local universities like Stony Brook and Hofstra, to forecasters and modelers from NOAA and the National Weather Service, to beach managers and lifeguards throughout Long Island. While each member may come from a different background or specific interest, working together we can increase our capacity to understand beach hazards in order to prevent future incidents and deaths.

Coordinating Data and Resource Sharing

Rip currents present a significant, and sometimes fatal, surf hazard to ocean beachgoers. Nationally, about 80% of all lifeguard rescues are rip current related and over 100 fatalities occur each year (USLA.org). With over 9 million tourists visiting Long Island annually, improving rip current prediction models and raising awareness about surf hazards and beach safety can help reduce ocean rescues and fatalities on Long Island’s beaches. In 2019, NY Sea Grant teamed up with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Observing System (MARACOOS) to help coordinate data and resource sharing among weather forecasters, researchers, and emergency responders.    

While this network was originally formed specifically for rip currents, it has been expanded to include other surf hazards such as dangerous shore breaks and high surf conditions.