The City of Wanneroo recently installed the extra signs at beach access paths on Alexandria View and Longbeach Promenade.
Acting Mayor Laura Gray said the first stage of a coastal safety audit with Surf Life Saving WA had identified key hazards including relatively strong wash and backwash, a sudden drop-off from shallow to deeper water, surging waves and shorebreak, and the presence of a rock platform or reef.
Cr Gray said they also found deep water close to shore could be a problem for non-swimmers and children, and a steep, soft beach face could be a problem for toddlers, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘These have been highlighted through the use of the following signage: ‘swimming not advised’, ‘submerged rocks’, ‘dumping waves’, ‘unstable cliffs’ and current rip signs,’ she said.
‘The City is working with SLSWA to implement suitable upgrades to these signs.
‘In total, 14 signs have been erected with an estimated cost for the manufacture and installation of the signs to be $7000.’
To ensure people from all backgrounds understood the risks, Cr Gray said they all contained internationally recognisable symbols and quick response (QR) codes to allow beach users to access safety information with smart phones.
The City launched the coastal safety audit earlier this year after Jenon Biwot (13), died at Clayton’s Beach in March, two months after UK tourist Peter Swan (57) died bodyboarding off the same beach.