AusLeisure

Regional beaches in the north of Western Australia, could soon display potentially life-saving Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs with the State Government extending coverage from north of Geraldton to Kununurra.

Each BEN sign has a unique number, similar to a bus stop number, which helps to pinpoint the exact location and improve crucial emergency response times for a range of potentially serious incidents.

An additional 12 local government authorities will be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 each to produce the emergency signage for beach access points.

The first BEN signs were installed in 2018 as part of the State Government’s election commitment and comprehensive shark mitigation strategy, and have become a vital part of directing first responders to emergencies at Western Australian beaches.

A total of 1,173 BEN signs have been installed to date across 26 metropolitan and south-western local government areas.

A further two have signs produced ready to install and another three are continuing to engage with the Government on the program.

Since May 2018, 357 requests for police assistance and 219 requests for St John Ambulance via triple zero calls have been logged, where BEN signs helped fast track the response.

WA Local Government Minister David Templeman advised that the BEN sign program is an important initiative involving a partnership between the State and local government over the past three years.

Minister Templeman advised “BEN signs were initially implemented by the City of Mandurah as an initiative of Rick Gerring whose brother Ben lost his life to a shark bite incident in 2016 and concerns were raised on the response time of emergency services.

“The McGowan Government has supported the installation of more than 1,000 BEN signs along our State’s coast, ensuring our emergency services can respond to serious incidents at the beach as quickly as possible.

“Extending the program to a further 12 local governments in the north, provides the opportunity to install signage at some of our State’s more remote beaches, potentially saving lives.

“I understand a number of local governments have already expressed interest in the signage and I encourage all eligible local governments to take the opportunity to apply for a grant to install BEN signs at key beach locations in their area.”

WA Fisheries Minister, Peter Tinley encourages all Western Australians heading to the beach to download the SharkSmart WA app adding “the app provides the location of all BEN signs and delivers near real-time notifications of the latest beach safety information.

“This is one of a number of strategies that the McGowan Government has implemented to mitigate the risk of shark attacks in our State.”

The 12 northern local government authorities eligible for grants are:

Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley

Shire of Derby-West Kimberley

Shire of Broome

Shire of East Pilbara

Town of Port Hedland

Shire of Roebourne

Shire of Ashburton

Shire of Exmouth

Shire of Carnarvon

Shire of Shark Bay

Shire of Northampton

Shire of Chapman Valley

More information on the locations of BEN signs and beach safety information can be found on the SharkSmart website via the SharkSmart WA app

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27th April 2020 - Western Australia’s shark SMART drumline trial to be extended

17th August 2018 - First of more than 1,000 lifesaving signs installed at Western Australia’s beaches

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12th November 2019 - South Australian beach drowning inquest calls for enhanced warning signs and lifesavers to operate over longer hours

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