The Assesement of Rip Current at Kerachut Beach Using Hydrodynamic Modelling

Abstract

KerachutBeach is a beautiful beach in Penang National Park (PNP). However this beach is categorisedas one of dangerous beach for swimming activities in Malaysia due to the drowning incidents reported almost every year. The steep beach slope and rip current were among the factors that lead to this incident. Using bathymetry profile, current, tidal and sediment data collected at site incorporated with UKMO wave data analysis,the hydrodynamic pattern was simulated using Mike 21 modelling software. Result from the model showed the evidence of rip current existence along the coastline. It showed that this rip current eventsoccurred during spring tide phase when the flow change from Flood to Ebb. During this period, the current tend to move parallel to the shoreline with maximum speed of 0.3m/s which is capable to swipe away a swimmer. The bathymetry profile at Kerachutis very steep and dangerous to swimmers since there is a 4 meter sudden plunge just meters away from the shoreline.