Coastal beaches provide recreation
opportunities to millions of people every year, which is why it is
imperative to ensure timely, accurate and accessible information on
coastal hazards and safety measures. This project supports efforts
of The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s
(NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) to improve communication of
rip current forecasts to the public. The ultimate goal is to
increase the likelihood of the public taking appropriate action to
protect themselves when faced with rip current dangers and ensure
“beach-readiness.” The NWS will develop variations of a Google
Map-style interface to assess their ability to effectively
visualize and communicate the NWS probabilistic rip current
forecast model output. The NWS will develop 3-5 variations of a
public-friendly interface that is easy to understand and provides
necessary information on the risk of rip currents, as well as 3-5
variations of a more detailed interface that includes additional
information that will be useful to lifeguards and decision makers.
Input on interface variations will be gathered from the public,
lifeguards, and local decision-makers (emergency managers, local
officials, and broadcast meteorologists) regarding the
understanding, ease of use, and utility of the interface as a risk
assessment tool via an online survey and focus groups.
US Code:
15
USC 313 Name of Law: Weather Service Organic Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.