Emergency Response Beacons assist efforts of NSW surf life savers

Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) installed at beach locations across New South Wales, directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site.

The NSW Government last year fast-tracked the installation of Emergency Response Beacons at unpatrolled locations, installing almost double the number proposed for the year of these potentially life-saving help points.

With most fatalities occurring on unpatrolled beaches, this can reduce response times when every second counts.

The new online water safety hub complements the efforts of life savers by bringing together essential water safety information, featuring tips and guidance from key organisations across NSW to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s waterways.

Volunteer life savers across NSW have performed more than 300,000 preventative actions to keep beachgoers safe as more than four million people flocked to the surf since 1st December.

The warm weather has encouraged big beach crowds resulting in more than 1,000 rescues, serious incidents requiring lifesaving action, and first aid treatment for more than 6,000 people in the first month of summer.

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce advised "we’ve had an extremely busy holiday period on beaches across the state and are expecting the tempo to remain high for the remainder of the summer. The crowds do put pressure on our volunteers.

“Swimming between the red and yellow flags isn’t just a smart choice – it’s a lifesaver. No drownings have occurred at patrolled locations during patrol hours, so staying where lifesavers and lifeguards can see you is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”

“We're urging beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages; don't swim at unpatrolled locations – look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can't see you, they can't save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.”

The NSW Government installed 19 beacons throughout 2024, at key locations including Fisherman’s Beach at Collaroy, Narrabeen Beach, South Curl Curl Beach and Forresters Beach on the Central Coast.

Beacons installed in 2024 are now in place at locations including:

• Northern Beaches: Narrabeen Beach, South Curl Curl, Fishermans Beach, North Palm Beach, Turimetta Beach

• Sydney:  Brighton-Le-Sands, Dolls Point, Gordons Bay, Lake Parramatta, Mahon Pool

• Hunter: Moonee Beach

• Central Coast: Bateau Bay, Forresters Beach, Frazer Park

• Illawarra: Woonona Pool, Austinmer

• Far South Coast: Bar Beach Merimbula, Camel Rock, Pambula River Mouth

The next generation of beacons are now being rolled out, with 15 expected to be installed during 2025 at key locations up and down the coast.

The new beacons are fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to provide another set of eyes on the beach.

Currently, there are 53 ERBs strategically located at beaches frequented by both locals and tourists, ensuring quick access to emergency assistance.

The beacons are part of the NSW Government’s record $72 million additional investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

Alongside the ERBs, the NSW Government is delivering 67 jet skis over four years, with 14 delivered to beaches along the state’s coastline for the summer.

The NSW Government continues to work in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW, local councils and community organisations to deliver initiatives that keep residents and visitors safe.

Visit the water safety hub 

Image. Emergency Response Beacons in NSW. Credit SLSNSW