Emergency Numbers make Freo beaches safer

The potentially life-saving Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) System is being introduced to all beaches in Fremantle.

The City of Fremantle, with the support of a state government grant, is installing a total of 38 BEN signs at access points to South Beach, Bathers Beach, Port Beach and Leighton Beach.

The system aims to improve emergency response times by installing signs with unique codes at priority beach access points.

These codes have been integrated into the computer-aided dispatch systems used by emergency services and are linked to specific information regarding each beach access location, which is vital when emergency services are deployed.

Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club President Jack Dowie said in an emergency situation every second counts.

“Everyone coming down to the beach this summer should become familiar with BEN signs and take note of the unique code on the beach access point they use,” Mr Dowie said.

“In the event of an emergency on an unpatrolled beach, people should dial 000 and quote the sign posted unique code and specific location information, and where possible they should wait at the beach access point until emergency service crews arrive.

“This will help emergency services to identify the location quickly and save those precious minutes that can be the difference between recovery from an incident and potential fatality.”

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said any measure to make beaches safer was very welcome.

“Fremantle is lucky to have some beautiful beaches and there’s nothing better on a hot summer day than coming down to Freo and cooling off with a dip in the ocean,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“But it’s also important to stay safe, so it’s reassuring to know that if there is an emergency situation help will be close at hand.”

BEN signs may also be referred to when reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.  

This will enable local authorities to act quickly and implement beach closures with accurate location information, which will help keep everyone safe.

For the latest reported sightings and tagged shark detections, it’s recommended to download and check SharkSmart WA app sharksmart.com.au/staying-safe/sharksmart-wa-app or follow the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed twitter.com/SLSWA.