Published on Thursday, 5 December 2019 at 8:50:26 AM
The Shire of Denmark has installed 14 Beach Emergency Numbering (BEN) signs at various Shire managed beaches with the aim of improving emergency response times.
The Shire received around $14,600 in grant funding to implement the BEN program as part of the WA government’s broader shark mitigation strategy.
The BEN system – named in honour of fatal shark bite victim Ben Gerring – is a coding system that aims to improve emergency response times through signage displaying unique codes at public beach access points.
The codes provide specific location information and how to get there, vital when emergency services are deployed in the event of a shark sighting, attack or other beach emergency.
Anyone can use the BEN signs in an emergency by dialling triple zero (000) and quoting the unique code on the nearest sign. The signs can also be used to report shark sightings to water police on 9442 8600.
A further 21 signs will be installed in Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions managed beach reserves and national parks.
Sign locations were determined by the Shire of Denmark in consultation with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and relevant stakeholders.
For more information on the BEN program and the WA Government’s shark mitigation strategy visit https://www.sharksmart.com.au/strategy/state-government/
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