Western Australian beaches will be significantly safer thanks to a A$1.35 million investment by BHP Billiton in a new state-of-the-art emergency and rescue communications network for Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).

Designed to address communications black and brown spots at some of the State’s most popular beaches from Esperance to Yanchep, direct communications will be possible for the first time between SLSWA’s communications hub SurfCom, the clubs, helicopters, jet-skis, inflatable rescue boats, 4WDs, All Terrain Vehicles and lifesavers on the beach.

Surf Life Saving WA’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Andrew described the partnership as one of the most significant in the organisation’s history, saying the project was a game changer for coastal safety.

“Our current analogue system is outdated, with some metropolitan and regional beaches only having point to point, or line of sight, communications,” Mr Andrew said.

“Not only will all surf lifesaving volunteers be better linked, they will also have streamlined communications via SurfCom with other emergency services including the Water Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue, the SES and the Departments of Fisheries and Transport.

“Surf Life Saving WA is the State’s lead coastal safety agency and the elimination of the many existing communications black and brown spots will help keep lifesavers and lifeguards safer.”

BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Head of Community and Indigenous Affairs Richard O’Connell said the Company was proud to fund the enhancement of surf lifesavers’ ability to patrol beaches and respond to emergencies.

“Making Surf Life Saving WA’s communications capabilities more robust will not only make it safer for swimmers who visit our State’s beautiful beaches, it will also be safer for the 20,000 volunteer surf lifesavers who protect us,” Mr O’Connell said.

“We see the contribution as a strong partnership between two proud supporters of our State, helping to protect the wellbeing of all Western Australian beach-goers.

“As a member of the WA community for more than 40 years, we want to leave a positive legacy for future generations. We’re proud to get behind initiatives like this to make a difference for the long-term.”

Mr Andrew said it was fantastic to see a global company like BHP Billiton giving back to the Western Australian community in such a meaningful way.

“We are a beach loving society and this commitment from BHP Billiton to improve our communications capabilities will help make our beaches safer for everyone for decades to come,” Mr Andrew said.