Understanding the New Beach Signs Across Australia for Safety
Thousands of new signs on Aussie beaches aim to enhance safety and improve emergency response times for beachgoers
Western Australia, Beach Emergency Numbers, Shark Encounters, Rick Gerring, Safety Signs
Mandurah: There’s a big change happening on the beaches in Western Australia. Authorities have put up nearly 1,800 new signs to help keep everyone safe.
These signs are designed to make it easier for people to tell emergency services where they are. Each sign has a unique Beach Emergency Number (BEN) that you can use when calling for help. This way, first responders can find you quickly.
The idea started in Mandurah and has spread across the state, with 42 local councils getting on board. They think these signs will be super helpful, especially if there’s a shark sighting or a rescue needed.
Michael Burke from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development mentioned that knowing these signs can really help when you need to call for help. It’s all about getting the right info to the right people fast.
The BEN signs were actually inspired by a tragic event. Rick Gerring, a local man, pushed for these signs after his brother Ben was killed by a shark while surfing back in 2016. Since then, the signs have been used in over 3,100 emergency calls.
Rick wants everyone to enjoy the beautiful beaches and water activities safely. He believes these signs will make a real difference for locals and tourists alike.