Espejel, I., A. Espinoza-Tenorio, O. Cervantes-Rosas, I. Popoca, A. Mejia, and S. Delhumeau. 2007. Proposal for an integrated risk index for the planning of recreational beaches: use at seven Mexican arid sites. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 47 – 51. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208

An integrated risk index has been developed for evaluating tourist and recreational beaches. It includes an index of beach suitability for recreational use, an index measuring the user's perception and an economic index expressing the monetary value of the beaches. The contamination vulnerability was evaluated with one physical attribute that reflects indirectly the cleaning ability of the water body where the beach is located. Seven beaches in north-western Mexico were evaluated with this index. Two beaches have high recreational values but one is located in a semi-enclosed area with the contamination vulnerability causing the risk index to be high. In contrast, the other high-valued beach is on the open sea; therefore the risk index is medium. Three beaches have medium recreational values but only one has a high risk index because it is in the most enclosed area. Two beaches have low recreational values with one having a medium risk index because it is located in a large bay open to the sea. This model, although proved in arid beaches, can be useful for any other beach (temperate or tropical).