Two Emergency Response Beacons (ERBs) have been installed at Little Bay and Malabar beaches as part of Randwick City Council’s ongoing commitment to improving beach safety.
“The installation of the new beacons can give our community peace of mind, knowing that emergency services can be notified of an incident and help can be on the way quickly,” said Dylan Parker, Mayor of Randwick.
The ERBs stand approximately 10ft tall, with cameras and a solar panel mounted at the top, which powers the unit. The unit’s intercom system links directly to the NSW Surf Lifesaving State Operations Centre 24 hours a day, every day of the year, which significantly reduces emergency response times as an incident occurs. The units should only be activated in the event of an emergency situation.
Designed for remote locations and built to withstand the elements, ERBs are used at numerous unpatrolled areas along the NSW coastline.
The beacons are currently undergoing a brief testing phase and will be working and active in the coming days.
Despite being unpatrolled, Malabar Beach and Little Bay remain popular destinations among beachgoers, rock fishers and boat users. Across the last three beach seasons (2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22), Little Bay and Malabar Beach, had 10 and 17 emergency callouts, respectively.
Mayor Dylan Parker said that the installation of the Emergency Response Beacons will make a meaningful improvement to beach safety in the area.
There are plans to install another ERB at Mahon Pool in 2023/2024.
