The BEN signs program initially implemented by the City of Mandurah, was the idea of Rick Gerring who lost his brother Ben in a fatal shark bite incident in 2016.
Local Government Authorities along the coast have embraced the program, supported with State Government grants to install their BEN signs.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has worked closely with 42 LGAs to install 1783 signs and there are plans in place for another 45 signs to be added within the next few months.
This year BEN signs have been rolled out in the Shire of Carnarvon (including Quobba and Coral Bay), East Pilbara and Exmouth, with installation ongoing in Karratha and Shark Bay. Installation is being planned for the Port Hedland area in the new year.
BEN signs have also recently been installed along the Swan River by the Fremantle and Melville city councils and five more signs are being planned for the Town of Mosman Park.
DPIRD’s Manager Shark Response Michael Burke said 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.
“Each BEN sign has a unique code that can be quoted in the case of an emergency to support first responders to attend the location as quickly as possible,’ Mr Burke said.
“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.
“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.”
In addition, the community can use BEN sign information when reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600, which assists land managers if a response, such as a beach closure is needed.
For more information on BEN signs go to SharkSmart - Beach Emergency Numbers
