Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) System: A Life-Saving Initiative

Australia’s beaches are iconic, but emergencies along the coastline can be challenging to navigate, especially when describing specific locations to emergency services.

To tackle this critical issue, the Western Australian Government has implemented the “Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN)” system—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at saving lives.

The BEN system was the brainchild of Rick Gerring, who founded it as a tribute to his late brother, Ben. In 2016, Ben tragically lost his life in a great white shark attack while surfing at a beach in Mandurah, south of Perth.

Driven by this heartbreaking experience, Rick sought to create a system that would improve the response time and efficiency of emergency services in beach-related incidents.

Each beach in the BEN system is assigned a unique number alongside precise location coordinates. In an emergency, this information allows responders to pinpoint the site accurately and without confusion, significantly enhancing their ability to provide timely assistance.

Since its inception, the BEN system has expanded across Western Australia, with over 1,000 beach locations now registered.

Its success has also inspired similar initiatives across Australia and even in other countries around the globe.

To fully benefit from this system, beachgoers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the BEN signs at their location. Knowing these signs and who to contact in an emergency can make a critical difference when seconds count.

Rick Gerring’s vision for the BEN system continues to save lives while honoring his brother's memory, ensuring safer experiences for everyone enjoying Australia’s stunning coastline.

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