-
How they work: Seawalls are physical barriers that run parallel to the shoreline to protect buildings from strong waves, tides, and storm surge. Alternatively, breakwaters and revetments are focused on preventing coastal erosion. Breakwaters block waves to reduce their impact, and revetments physically hold shoreline sand and dirt in place. By preventing coastal erosion, they maintain the ability of the coastline to act as a barrier against waves and flooding.
-
Why you need them: Directly or indirectly, all three protect nearby structures and communities from flooding and storm surges. Inland communities along rivers, lakes, or bays will benefit most from revetments. Coastal communities will benefit from breakwaters to reduce wave energy, or seawalls to block them altogether.
-
Why your county needs them: These hard shoreline protections share two key qualities: durability and longevity. Each solution can last up to 50 years on average, much longer than other solutions, like beach renourishment.
Breakwater
An offshore structure that uses piles of rocks built parallel to the shore to block the waves and the surf
Revetment
Sloping structures made up of rocks, asphalt, and sandbags on banks or cliffs to absorb the energy of incoming water
Seawall
A vertical wall built parallel to the shoreline to protect communities from strong waves, tides, and storm surge
We are Flood Defenders
A non-profit amplifying the power of our members' voices to demand and receive better flood protection
