Abstract
Beaches are intricate social-ecological systems with natural and socio-cultural components, providing protective, recreational, and ecological functions. Given their economic benefits and the diverse ecosystem services they offer, beaches require comprehensive management for sustainable use and user well-being. While established tourist destinations often implement monitoring systems focused on physical parameters like water quality and safety, these approaches can be expensive and overlook the system’s complexity. Most beaches lack comprehensive monitoring due to budget constraints, resulting in unsafe conditions, lower visitor satisfaction, and a higher risk of drownings. To address this gap, we propose a Comprehensive Index for Beaches (CIB) based on a holistic approach, treating the beach as a socio-ecological system. The CIB includes traditional aspects of monitoring, such as resource quality and infrastructure, but also incorporates social dimensions and safety perceptions. Our study involved reviewing existing global and local beach indices, focusing on South Carolina, and conducting a literature review to include social and safety factors. The proposed index was validated through expert reviews and surveys of beachgoers in South Carolina, followed by confirmatory factor analysis. This study advances the understanding of beach management by integrating social behaviors and safety perceptions, which are often neglected. The CIB highlights the importance of addressing social factors in beach safety and management, offering a more accessible and effective approach for a wider range of beaches.
Presenters
Estefania BasurtoDestination Management Working Group Lead, Richardson Family SmartState Center of Economic Excellence in Tourism, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Oceanic Journeys: Multicultural Approaches in the Humanities
KEYWORDS
Beachers, Monitoring, Social Factors, Safety Perceptions
