Caught in a Rip Current? Virtual Reality May Help Save Your Life

Jun 10, 2026

2 min

A recent USA Today article highlighted a new rip current simulator in Florida designed to help beachgoers experience the power of these dangerous currents in a safe, controlled environment. The initiative reflects a growing focus on innovative approaches to water safety education as rip currents continue to account for the majority of surf rescues and numerous drowning deaths each year.

Jase Bernhardt is an associate professor in the Department of the Geology, Environment and Sustainability at Hofstra University and also director of the department's MA Sustainability program.

View his profile

For years, Hofstra University researcher Dr. Jase Bernhardt has been exploring how technology can improve public understanding of coastal hazards. His work has led to the development of a virtual reality experience that places users in a simulated rip current, allowing them to experience the situation firsthand while learning the techniques needed to escape safely. The immersive training helps participants understand why fighting directly against a rip current can be dangerous and teaches the recommended strategies for reaching safety.

Bernhardt's research focuses on weather hazards, risk communication, and public safety, with a particular emphasis on how emerging technologies can help people better understand and respond to real-world threats. His work offers valuable insight into the challenges of educating the public about rip currents and how innovative tools can improve preparedness and potentially save lives.

As beaches across North America enter peak summer season, journalists covering beach safety, drowning prevention, coastal hazards, public education, or emerging safety technologies can connect with Dr. Jase Bernhardt for expert commentary on rip currents and the role virtual reality may play in helping people stay safe in the water.

Connect with:

Jase Bernhardt

Associate Professor of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability

Dr. Bernhardt's current research is focused on using VR technology to teach about dangerous weather conditions.

Rip Tide safetyHurricanesClimatologyClimate ChangeWeather

Find Experts

Jun 30, 2026

1 min

Map Shows Trump Approval Rating in Each State With Critical Senate Races

Meena Bose, executive dean of Hofstra University’s Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, told Newsweek that President Donald Trump’s approval ratings in key Senate battleground states suggest Republicans face a more challenging political environment heading into the 2026 midterm elections. She noted that while incumbency and candidate quality will still matter, a president with approval ratings below 50 percent can create headwinds for candidates from his own party, making competitive Senate races more difficult for Republicans.

Jun 23, 2026

2 min

World Cup 2026: Hofstra experts on the science, health, and business behind the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to the New York metro area, and Hofstra University is ready. From the training room to the boardroom, Hofstra faculty bring research-backed expertise to the stories journalists are chasing this tournament season. Featured Topic The Cultural Game Why soccer means what it means and what this World Cup moment represents The World Cup has always been about more than the game. Brenda Elsey, Professor of History, studies soccer as a cultural and political force across the Americas -- from grassroots identity to gender and power. She can speak to what this tournament represents as a historical moment, on and off the field. Expert Brenda Elsey - History Featured Topic Health and Performance on the World Stage Expert insight on what it takes to compete and recover at a World Cup. Competing at this level means managing the body and the mind across weeks of high-stakes matches with almost no recovery time. Hofstra's health and kinesiology faculty are your sources for the stories behind the performance. Experts Jayne Ellinger - Athletic Training Katie Sell - Exercise Physiology Anna Len - Physical Therapy Genevieve Weber - Mental Health Featured Topic Beyond the Pitch What the World Cup does to cities, economies, and public health systems From local business impact and tourism economics to disease surveillance and emergency preparedness - Hofstra faculty are ready to talk. Experts Andy M. Forman - Marketing & Tourism Lauren Hindman - Management Martine Hackett - Population Health Meshack Achore - Population Health

Jun 24, 2026

1 min

Levy on Home Ownership, Suburban Voters, and the Midterms

A recent media appearance by Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of Hofstra University’s National Center for Suburban Studies, include: June 17: Newsday: “Will they ever own a home? Long Island renters fear the ‘American Dream’ is out of reach.” Across Long Island, many renters are finding themselves shut out of a housing market defined by record prices, limited inventory and rising borrowing costs. Still, Newsday reports, people continue to aspire to homeownership, viewing it as a source of financial security and stability. “The lure of suburban homeownership remains as powerful as ever,” said Levy. “How else do you explain the willingness of more and more people to go deeper and deeper in debt to realize their suburban dream?”