Surf Life Saving NSW with support from the NSW Government has completed the installation of eight new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) in key coastal blackspots.
After the success of the existing 32 ERBs positioned around the state, funding for a further 40 units at specific blackspots was announced, to be rolled out over four years.
The beacons are solar powered, 4G and 5G enabled for video and voice notification in the event of an emergency and monitored by SLSNSW at highly visible locations along the NSW coastline.
ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre (SOC), enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue or medical emergency. This can drastically reduce response times, particularly in unpatrolled or isolated areas.
All new and existing ERBs are being fitted with rescue tubes – floatation devices which can be used if someone decides to attempt a rescue of a person in trouble. The device’s removal triggers an alarm back to the SOC and enables video and voice activated communications.
The expansion of this life saving technology comes after the Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib convened a roundtable on coastal safety in March, in response to a concerning increase in coastal drownings at unpatrolled locations.
“The next generation of ERBs with public rescue equipment attached will help people stay safe if they attempt a rescue,” said SLSNSW CEO Steve Pearce.
“It’s all about using technology to improve how we respond to coastal incidents and, in the end, save more lives along the coast.”
The new ERB units have been installed at the following locations in Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra:
- Forresters Beach
- Bateau Bay
- North Palm Beach
- Turimetta
- Gordons Bay
- Mahon Pool
- Woonona
- Austinmer
Wednesday 19 June 2024