What should be the primary concern when assessing a physical hazard like marine life?

When assessing a physical hazard like marine life, the primary concern should indeed focus on the effectiveness of physical barriers. These barriers play a crucial role in preventing harmful interactions between individuals and potentially dangerous marine creatures. Effective physical barriers can safeguard swimmers and beachgoers from coming into contact with hazardous marine life such as jellyfish or sea urchins, which could cause injury or harm.

While the presence of safety signage is important for informing the public about potential risks, it does not physically prevent an encounter with dangerous marine life. Similarly, the time of day for swimming or whether others are swimming can influence risk perception, but they are secondary considerations once the physical safety systems, such as barriers, are assessed. Thus, the primary focus should be on how well these barriers function to maximize safety in environments where physical hazards like marine life are present.