BEN signs installed along the river in North Fremantle

Seven Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs have been installed along the northern side of the Swan River between Crab Bay and Rocky Bay.

The red and green signs were funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) as part of the BEN sign program.

This brings the total number of signs in the Fremantle area to 51 under the State-led program, with 44 signs already along the coast between Leighton Beach and South Beach.

The BEN program, which uses a unique code for each sign location, is designed to improve emergency response times.

In an emergency, bystanders are asked to dial triple zero and quote the code and location information on the nearest BEN sign. 

Where possible, someone should wait at the BEN sign until emergency service crews arrive.

The signs are the first to be installed on the river foreshore in the Fremantle local government area.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the BEN signs were a good addition.

"Ever since the fatal shark bite incident in the river last year, we've been looking for more ways to make our beaches safer, both coastal and river.

"We'll have a beach enclosure at Bathers Beach this summer, providing a protected swimming area and now we also have these signs," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

DPIRD Shark Response Manager Michael Burke said like the City of Fremantle, all local governments around WA who've supported BEN signs have made a significant contribution to community safety.

"The unique code on each BEN sign and associated location information is integrated into response systems so emergency services can attend the location as quickly as possible," Mr Burke said.

BEN signs may also be used to report shark sightings, which will help City of Fremantle Community Safety Officers implement beach closures earlier by using this accurate location information. The new signs can also display Beach Closed messaging.

Beach and river users are also encouraged to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed and report shark sightings to the Water Police on 9442 8600. 

See sharksmart.com.au for further information on BEN signs.

Above image: Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge and North Ward Councillor Ingrid van Dorssen with two of the City of Fremantle's Community Safety Officers who play a role in beach safety