Boost for beach safety

Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs have been rolled out across WA to boost beach safety and emergency service response times by providing accurate location information.

Each sign has a unique letter and number code linked to the co-ordinates for the location. The data has been provided to emergency services to they can quickly and accurately locate the place of emergency.

The unique code and location information on the nearest BEN sign can also be quoted when reporting a shark sighting.

BEN signs are installed at beach access points along the coastline between Geraldton and Esperance. Some signs are also located at harbours and estuaries, boat ramps, fishing platforms, jetties, rivers and lakes.

Through the acronym, BEN was chosen in honour of Ben Gerring, who died after being attacked by a shark in Falcon in 2016.

Find out more information about BEN signs and where they are located by visiting www.sharksmart.com.au