New beach app for a safer summer

Beachgoers can be better informed this summer with the launch of the new Beachsafe app.

The app is connected to a website which contains live details of more than 3000 WA beaches, including Bunbury’s Back Beach.

Beachsafe was made possible by a $50,000 grant from the State Government’s $6 million budget contribution to shark mitigation strategies by allowing shark sighting information and hazard reporting online.

Premier Colin Barnett said since July 2012 there had been 26 drownings off the State’s coast.

“The statistics highlight the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled beaches, rock fishing, abalone fishing and going out in dangerous conditions,” he said.

“As part of improving beach safety, it is really important beachgoers have the opportunity to find out for themselves if a beach is safe for them and their families.

“That means not just checking to see if there have been shark sightings in the area, but also looking at factors such as the swell, the wind, if there are rips around and if a beach is patrolled or not.”

City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club director Chris Dunbar-Smith believes the app is worthwhile and has the potential to help people make informed decisions about which beach to use.

“The website is a billboard for us to post relevant information regarding prevailing conditions and we will endeavour to keep it up to date,” he said.

“Should one life be saved because a person consulted the website and decided to take their family to a patrolled beach rather than an isolated location, its value is beyond measure.”