Problem: Ocean Beach’s signage system lacks the clarity necessary to inform visitors of its dangers.

The beach has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. While some of my oldest memories are of my family's ocean adventures, its easy to forget that the ocean is a force that demands respect. I consider myself lucky to have the knowledge i do about the ocean, but it wasn't until I moved to San Francisco's Ocean Beach that I learned just how temperamental the ocean really is. Especially in an Northern California environment. Ocean goers have to navigate large waves, weird ocean life, high winds, freezing temperatures, rain, currents, rocks, and retarded (socially challenged) locals just to enjoy them selves here. Safety Signage is a must for Ocean Beach. Every surfer in the line must become a kind of vigilante lifeguard, due to the high numbers of uniformed guests that come to enjoy the beach. I have pulled numerous frightened tourist out of the water, and watched the paramedics carry some less lucky ones off. Somewhere along the line some smart individual realized a signage system might reduce the amount of unlucky visitors here. While it was a good try, I feel it could totally be improved. Through my research I intend to identify the beach's dangers, and propose clearer methodology in regards to the current signage system. Also I would like to inform visitors of their responsibilities when patronizing our beach.


Step one was to check out the existing signage.

This one is half covered by ice plant and sand because of high winds during the Spring.
I'm pretty sure it's meant to inform visitors of high bacteria levels in the water. This is a south facing large sign with small black text. It hosts over four different languages to accommodate the Sunset District's cultural diversity.

In between Moraga and Santiogo Street there is a sea wall spanning six blocks, and at each block is a staircase leading down to the beach. The problem here is that there are only signs every other block, so if a visitor chooses the wrong block they don't see any signage. Plus the stairs that do have signs don't provide any information other than a warning to stay close to shore.

This sign provides little information about the ocean. How can I provide more information, while keeping the sign the same size, preserving the natural feel of the beech? My plan is to start checking out all the different warning signs at different beaches, and see which ones seem the most effective.
I'll start with the California State Park system and see what kind of signs work for them!