The Spot and Capricorn beach north of Yanchep Lagoon have BEN signs but not shark monitoring network receivers so funding to support Surfing WA shark hazard mitigation initiatives will no doubt be welcomed by surfers.
Surfing WA chief executive officer Mark Lane said the funding was a major step forward for ocean safety in Western Australia.
“Surfers are often the first responders when emergencies happen, especially at remote beaches,’’ he said.
“Expanding our surfers rescue 365 program into regional areas and schools means more surfers will have the training to save lives when every second counts.
“It also allows us to strengthen safety at events by expanding drone and jet ski coverage and rolling out trauma kits at popular surf breaks between Esperance and Geraldton.’’
The Surfing WA program aims to provide recreational surfers with lifesaving skills including CPR, first-aid and board rescue techniques, through free training courses.
With more than 99 per cent of WA’s coastline unpatrolled these locations sometimes become scenes that require those with crucial training to assist in an emergency situation, often saving a life.
The Cook Government has committed to providing $300,000 over three years to enable the program to expand to regional areas and for an online portal to be launched for school students and surfers who are unable to attend the in-person courses.
In a statement in late May the government said to continue to support ocean safety at state-wide surfing events, Surfing WA would expand its drone and jet ski services, catering for the increased demand and popularity of local surfing events.
“Surfing WA will work closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) shark response unit and other relevant stakeholders to determine suitable locations for trauma kits which could prove vital during an emergency,’’ the statement said.
“Surfing WA will also work with a number of local surfing ambassadors to promote the SharkSmart WA app and website and help deliver key water safety messages across the community.”
Tagged sharks include white and tiger sharks, which are detected by receivers in some surfing areas.
The information provided about tagged shark detections from the shark monitoring network supports response agencies and enables the public to make informed decisions about their water use.
Western Australian water users can be alerted about tagged shark detections via the SharkSmart WA app
Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) also tweets Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) information about whale carcasses that may attract sharks.
Follow and check the SLSWA Twitter, SharkSmart website or news for alerts and activity prior to entering the water.
Beach emergency numbers (BEN) signs have a unique code and location information at beach access points, which aims to improve emergency response times.
Quoting the information on the nearest BEN sign in the City of Wanneroo and Shire of Gingin will help emergency services accurately pinpoint the location of the emergency.
This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 27 July 2025.
