Virtual lifesaver for Leighton Beach

A real-time warning and safety messaging system has been installed at Leighton Beach to improve beach safety.

The technology will give beachgoers quicker access to information like shark detections, beach closures and unsafe conditions.

The new Surf Alert Module (SAM) at Leighton Beach is the seventh of ten to be rolled out by Surf Life Saving WA along the WA coast.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said any measure to make beaches safer was welcome.

"Leighton is one of our busiest beaches. It is patrolled by volunteer surf lifesavers on weekends and public holidays, during the season. Outside those times, beachgoers are without on-site support, so having a virtual lifesaver identifying and communicating any hazards or risks is the next best thing."

The module, located in front of the Fremantle Surf Life Saving Club, has a display screen, warning light and siren, remotely activated camera and an intercom to Surf Life Saving WA's State Operations Centre.

"The SAM basically speeds up the public notification process. If a shark is seen or detected, a warning can be displayed on the screen and the siren or voice alert can be sounded within minutes," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

The City will remain the authority responsible for closing the beach in the event of an imminent risk to safety.

Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Manager Cam Robbins said the development of the Module was driven by the desire to use technology to improve coastal safety. 

"The Modules have been designed to provide beach users with real-time warning and safety messages relating to hazards and risks at that specific beach location, ultimately leading to improved decision-making and behaviours.

"While SAM won’t replace the presence of trained Lifesavers, it can assist in improving the identification and notification of coastal incidents to help deliver safer coastal recreational outcomes.

"With built-in visual display messaging, warning lights, and sirens, the units provide a visual and audible alert system. These can be used as an emergency evacuation alert, activated for detection of a shark, and provide messaging advising whether the beach remains closed or is now open,” Mr Robbins said.

These installations have been possible with support from the Federal Government's 'Saving Lives in the Water' program.

The first of Surf Life Saving WA's Surf Alert Modules was installed at Clayton's Beach in the City of Wanneroo in January 2023, with subsequent modules installed as far south as Esperance.

Prior to installation of the SAM, Leighton Beach relied on a manually sounded alarm, with the City's community safety team deployed to set up beach closure signs each time a shark sighting occurred.

Port Beach has a Shark Warning System tower, which uses remotely activated lights and sirens to notify beach users when a tagged shark passes a nearby receiver beacon.

As always, beachgoers are also encouraged to stay informed by checking the SharkSmart WA app or website at sharksmart.com.au

Above image L-R: Fremantle SLSC Director of Lifesaving and Education Liam Burke, Fremantle SLSC Patron Lisa O'Malley MLA, Fremantle SLSC Patron Alex Bajada, Cr Ingrid van Dorssen, SLSWA Lifesaving Department Manager Cam Robbins, Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge, Fremantle SLSC President Jette Oksis.