Published on Tuesday, 29 July 2025 at 1:14:22 PM
River safety and emergency response times are set to improve following the installation of 12 Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs along the river foreshore in East Fremantle this week.
The signs have been installed near river entry points including at J Dolan Park, East Fremantle Boat Ramp, John Tonkin Reserve, Norm McKenzie Reserve and W Wayman Reserve.
Each sign features a unique identification code with an area prefix, followed by a one-to-four-digit number. This code is directly linked to the coordinates of the sign’s location.
The signs also contain the official location name, address, suburb and the nearest intersection.
This information is integrated into emergency services dispatch systems, playing a vital role when emergency services are deployed in the event of a shark sighting, shark attack or other beach emergency.
Town of East Fremantle Mayor Jim O’Neill encouraged visitors and residents to the foreshore to take note of the closest BEN sign location and information.
“The Town of East Fremantle is one of 13 local governments in WA who have installed the signs at beach access points,” he said.
“We always want recreational users on the river to be safe. If you see a life-threatening situation on the water, phone 000 or the Water Police and quote the information on the closest BEN sign.
“This will help emergency services respond quickly and accurately.”
The signs are fully funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through the State Government’s grant program.
To see the full list of locations in the Town, please visit the Beach Emergency Numbers page on the Town's website.
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