An emergency beach numbering system first developed by the City of Mandurah could be rolled out across Perth after the state government opened applications from Perth councils to take part in the scheme.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said the Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signage would provide beachgoers with location information to help emergency services to respond to serious incidents.
The BEN signs were developed following the fatal shark attack off Falcon in 2016 that claimed the life of Ben Gerring.
Mr Gerring’s brother Rick proposed the idea after concerns about possible delays in attending emergency services trying to locate the closest beach access point to the incident.
“In any medical emergency seconds count, for a member of the public to tell emergency services the exact location will only improve response times and the patients’ chances of recovery,” Mr Gerring said.
“Our coastline is vast and sometimes there can be numerous access points, the BEN signage will direct services to that exact location.
“Councils can only benefit their community by accessing the grant and installing the signage.
“For Ben’s legacy to be saving lives is a proud and humble moment.”The locations of the uniquely coded signs would be recorded with emergency services and also include the street address and nearest cross street.”
Since the BEN system was implemented by the City of Mandurah in April, the state government committed funding of up to $25,000 for metropolitan councils along the Perth coast for BEN signage to be installed at beaches.
“I commend Rick Gerring’s courage for finding a positive way to honour his brother Ben and for helping coastal communities take action to make beaches safer,” Mr Kelly said.
“In many incidents, including a serious interaction with a shark, every second counts to save the person’s life and by helping emergency services locate the site of an incident faster it could save lives.”
Mr Kelly said details about funding for regional councils would be announced next week.
