🚀 go-pugleaf

I am researching on behalf of OCEAN Initiative; a funded research group
which is currently conductiong a world wide study of beaches.  Our goal is
to provide information to the public on beach safety.  We are gathering
information globally and providing a spatial and temporal analysis for
what physical, cultural, and biological characteristics make beaches
threatening.

For the purposes of our study, we have compiled the critical
characteristics which constitute a dangerous beach:
1) Rip currents, hazardous surf, beach drownings and rescues
2) Pollution, contamination, urban runoff, sewage, oil spills
3) Unstable bluffs, landslides, rock outcroppings, beach area accidents
4) Sharks, other hazardous marine organisms.

I want to stress that our goal does not involve any physical alteration to
the beaches or any intrusive measures.  This is strictly to caution the
public, and in cases of contamination, to encourage environmental action
and legislation.

Your assistance is crucial to our study.  Any relevant statistical data
that you possess concerning the aforementioned criteria would be greatly
appreciated.  if you are unable to provide this information but you can
refer our group to a valuable source, please contact us.

Thank you for your time and assistance in advance.

Michael Schafler
Coastal Researcher, University of California at Berkeley
schaf@uclink4.berkeley.edu