Published on Tuesday, 7 January 2025 at 8:55:41 AM
“Our town is in shock after a visitor drowned at Salmon Beach. Our hearts go out to the friends and family of the deceased,” Shire President Ron Chambers said. “This is a genuine tragedy.”
“The Esperance coastline is beautiful but naturally dangerous. Many people visit our region, but it's up to them to understand the risks before venturing out. That's why we've worked so hard in partnership with the Coastal Safety Group on Coastal Safety messaging,” said Shire President Ron Chambers.
The Coastal Safety Group is an arm of the Local Emergency Management Committee and promotes vital information on coastal safety and local conditions. The Group gets the message out with the following communications:
- Pamphlets about local hazards are distributed to caravan parks, motels, petrol stations, and the Visitors Centre.
- Social Media presence.
- Electronic messaging board displaying messages including stay off coastal rocks, know our hazards, wear a life jacket, have the right gear to fish safely, and where to find Coastal Safety information online.
- Work with the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development on the implementation of Beach Emergency Number (BEN) signs, and
- Safety signs using international symbols to highlight dangers.
“Through the Coastal Safety Group, two large banners are located at Salmon Beach warning about the dangers. One even says lives have been lost and has white crosses on it. It’s frustrating when these warnings are ignored. The loss of life affects us all,” President Chambers said.
Esperance Police Officer in Charge, Acting Senior Sergeant Natasha Phillips added "Sadly, another tourist has drowned in Esperance less than 24 hours after arriving".
"Esperance Police work with Surf Lifesaving, the SES, and the Shire through the Coastal Safety Group to raise awareness of local hazards. It's everyone's responsibility to understand these dangers."
“People are of the mindset that it could never happen to them or their loved ones, but the sad reality is that nobody is immune to the dangers of our coast. "
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victim. Unfortunately, these tragedies create a ripple effect with a long-lasting impact on not just the immediate family and friends of the victim, but also our local community and volunteers who are often tasked with recovering the bodies."
To our visitors and locals, the message is clear:
- Your safety is your responsibility.
- Stay off the black, slippery rocks.
- If you see something, say something.
END
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