Shark activity map
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Staying Safe
The Western Australian Government is committed to keeping the community as safe as possible when using our oceans. There is no one simple solution, shark encounters are rare and the following shark safety initiatives, operational responses and shark safety tips, allow the community to keep informed and help reduce the risk of a shark encounter.
Beach Emergency Numbers
19 July 2018Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) is a coding system that assigns unique codes to coastal access points to help improve response times in an emergency.
The unique code and location information is displayed on green and red signs, referred to as BEN signs, which can be seen on coastal paths and beach access points, harbours, estuaries, rivers, boat ramps and fishing platforms.
BEN signs provide specific location information, vital when emergency services are deployed in the event of a shark incident or other beach emergency.
Information is integrated into computer-aided dispatch systems used by emergency services such as ambulance, police and Surf Life Saving WA.
The signs can also be used when reporting shark sightings to Water Police, assisting land managers to close beaches quickly when needed.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) manages and coordinates the BEN sign program, providing support to land managers such as Local Government Authorities (LGAs), Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) in the installation of BEN signs along the Western Australian coastline.
BEN sign locations can be viewed on the SharkSmart activity map.
View BEN sign frequently asked questions.
View BEN sign installation maps based on LGA and islands.
For more information on BEN signs, please contact sharksmart@dpird.wa.gov.au