Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) are to be installed at three Central Coast beaches by the end of the year.
Spoon Bay, Frazer Park and Forresters Beach are among 10 beaches statewide set to receive the emergency response infrastructure this year following a roundtable on coastal safety convened early in March by Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.
ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site.
This can drastically reduce response times, particularly in unpatrolled or isolated areas.
More than 30 of the beacons will be installed in high-risk locations along the NSW coastline over the next four years as part of the NSW Government’s record $23M additional investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.
As part of this funding, the NSW Government is also delivering 67 jet skis over four years, with 14 already deployed to beaches along the state’s coastline.
The roundtable held in early March considered the latest data on high risk drowning locations along the state’s coastline, with the locations of the new ERBs based on this data, rescue statistics and consultation with key stakeholders.
The Government says addressing the number of coastal deaths in unpatrolled and isolated locations is a priority, along with reaching more communities with important water safety messages.
“Emergency Response Beacons are already being used successfully in coastal locations, including at Forster this summer when a beacon was instrumental in supporting the rescue of individuals caught in a rip current,” Dib said.
“The evidence is clear – this technology works, and we know it will make a key contribution to preventing drownings on our coastline.
“The beacons use technology that overcomes connectivity limitations, or ‘black spots’, in remote areas, providing a reliable option in an emergency.
“A day at the beach shouldn’t turn into a disaster, and this is one of several measures the NSW Government is taking to help ensure more people get home safely.”
Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said the ERBs currently positioned along the coast are proving their worth.
“It’s all about using technology to improve how we respond to coastal incidents and, in the end, save more lives along the coast,” he said.
“We are putting these beacons where they are needed the most on the Central Coast and they will help keep our community and visitors safe on our beaches.”
Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said Frazer Park was the perfect spot for a beacon.
“Too many lives have been lost on (our) coast and too many locals have to live with that,” she said.
“Enjoying the water is the lifestyle here and the NSW Government is backing our first responders with the best equipment.”