Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) Sign Program
The City of Joondalup has recently received funding to install 65 Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs as part of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) grants application program.
The Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) program is a coding system designed to improve emergency incident response times of locating the closest beach access points by installing signs with unique numbers at beach access points. Provision of specific location information is vital when emergency services are deployed in the event of shark attacks or other beach emergencies and for reporting shark sightings.
The City encourages beach users to familiarise themselves with sign locations and to take note of the unique code associated with each location. Detailed maps of all sign locations and a Frequently Asked Questions document can be downloaded below.
Scenarios where users can reference BEN signs unique codes include:
- When reporting shark sightings (contact Water Police on 9442 8600)
- When reporting a beach emergency (contact Police on 000)
Note: Where possible, callers should wait at the beach access point until emergency service personnel arrive.
The City also encourages its residents and visitors to download the “Emergency+” app, which is a free app developed by Australia’s emergency services and their Government and industry partners. The app uses GPS functionality in smart phones to callers and provides critical location details required to mobilise emergency services.