Coastal Hazards & Risk Management (CHARM)
CHARM works to increase understanding of coastal hazards and support safer interactions with the shoreline and nearshore environment. Hazards can include rip currents, dangerous shore breaks, high waves, storms, flooding, marine life interactions, and other environmental risks. By combining observations, data, and forecasting tools, CHARM helps communities, beach managers, and the public make informed decisions in real time.
Our Mission
CHARM collects, integrates, and distributes coastal hazard information to improve public safety, reduce risk, and enhance community resilience. By connecting researchers, lifeguards, emergency managers, and stakeholders, we provide the tools and knowledge needed to understand and respond to dynamic coastal conditions.
What We Do
Data Collection & Reporting
- Track surf hazards, high waves, rip currents, and shore break events.
- Document environmental conditions such as tides, currents, and weather.
- Leverage real-time data from coastal webcams on the WebCOOS network to visually monitor shoreline conditions, surf zones, and potential hazards.
- Collaborate with lifeguards, researchers, and volunteers to gather observations.
Forecasting & Risk Assessment
- Provide actionable data to support hazard forecasting.
- Improve prediction models for rip currents, storms, and coastal flooding.
- Support emergency managers and decision-makers in real-time response planning.
Education & Outreach
- Promote awareness of coastal hazards and safe beach practices.
- Develop educational materials for communities, schools, and recreational users.
- Facilitate networking among coastal hazard professionals to share best practices and innovations.
Join CHARM
Beach managers, lifeguards, researchers, and community members are invited to participate in CHARM. Whether you are reporting hazards, contributing data, or sharing knowledge, your involvement strengthens safety and resilience along our coasts.
Explore Other Projects
- ECCOFS
- Harmful Algal Blooms Monitoring to Protect Mid-Atlantic Waters and Communities
- Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN)
- Mid-Atlantic MBON
- Ocean Integrating Ocean and Weather Data Through Shared Infrastructure
- OTT – Animal-borne Sensors
- Tracking Marine Species and Biodiversity Hotspots to Support Ocean Management
- Water Levels, Waves & Webcams (WWW Network)
Assets & Technologies utilized for this Project:
