Volunteer lifesavers in Narrabeen have been bolstered by new Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs), which are helping to cut down critical rescue times on unpatrolled beaches along the New South Wales coastline.
The rollout of ERBs, including one at Narrabeen Beach, is part of a broader $16-million initiative to install lifesaving technology at identified drowning hotspots over four years.
Since December 2024, lifesavers across the state have responded to more than 1,000 rescues, and the Narrabeen beacon is a vital addition to these efforts as beach attendance surges during the summer months.
Lifesaving Technology in Action
The ERB at Narrabeen, along with 52 others installed across the NSW coastline, connects beachgoers directly to the Surf Life Saving NSW State Operations Centre (SOC). When activated, the beacon provides an immediate communication link between a distressed person and a State Duty Officer, who can quickly assess the situation and dispatch appropriate resources.
These resources include jetskis, inflatable rescue boats, drones, or helicopters. Cameras installed on the beacons further assist by giving operators real-time visuals of the scene.
The ERB network is particularly significant for locations like Narrabeen Beach, where lifesavers are not present year-round. State Operations Centre officials have stated that these beacons ensure even remote areas are covered, providing lifesaving measures previously unavailable in unpatrolled spots.
Community-Focused Safety
Narrabeen’s inclusion in this program highlights the community-focused approach of the initiative. Surf Life Saving NSW emphasised that no drownings have occurred on patrolled beaches during operational hours, underscoring the importance of swimming between the red and yellow flags. The ERBs aim to extend these safety measures to areas beyond the reach of routine patrols, enhancing the overall safety of the coastal community.
To complement these efforts, NSW has also delivered 14 jet skis to various locations across the state this summer, with 67 expected to be deployed over the next four years. The total investment includes a record $72 million commitment to Surf Life Saving NSW, supporting lifesaving programs and technology advancements.
Expanding Coverage
The 53 ERBs currently in place span a variety of high-risk locations, including other Northern Beaches such as South Curl Curl and Fisherman’s Beach. These locations were selected based on data identifying frequent incidents, as well as their status as unpatrolled or remote beaches.
Future expansions will see an additional 15 ERBs installed in 2025, with new-generation features like flotation devices and high-definition live-streaming capabilities. These upgrades are expected to further reduce emergency response times and enhance public safety at beaches statewide.
Published 23-January-2025
