BEN sign on the Esperance Esplanade.
BEN signs could be key in keeping beaches safer this summer according to a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson.
Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs sit at the entry points of beaches and display unique identification number that can be quoted in case of emergency.
The spokesperson said the idea for BEN signs came from Mandurah local Rick Gerring who lost his brother to a shark attack in 2016.
“Almost 1800 BEN signs are now in the ground along Western Australia’s coast from Esperance to the Pilbara, including the Swan River, boosting beach safety this summer,” they said.
DPIRD Shark Response manager Michael Burke said since the installations, the BEN signs had proven useful in emergencies.
“WA’s BEN signs network has been used in over 3100 requests for assistance to WA Police and St John Ambulance, including diver and surfer accidents, search and rescue activities and bushfires,” he said.
Mr Burke said the acknowledgement of BEN by beach goers went a long way to enhance the safety of everyone at the beach.
“Becoming familiar with these green and red signs at your favourite beaches is very important in helping emergency services use the unique BEN code when help is needed,” he said.
“If you find yourself in an emergency this summer, dial triple zero, quote the code and location information on your nearest BEN sign and, where possible, have someone wait at the sign until emergency crews arrive.”
