Gallagher Security has revealed that its mobile alert system has been deployed at South Maroubra Surf Live Saving Club.
Australian beach safety
Gallagher says that one of the most topical issues and threats to those enjoying Australia’s world-renowned beaches is sharks, so for the surf club it made sense to look to smart, new technology to keep those who enjoy the sand and surf safe.
As a result of a recent mass rescue where surf conditions threatened swimmers and all lifesaving resources were in the water, no lifesavers were available to activate the siren and the team recognised a solution was needed.
“Support our lifesavers”
Simon Torsellini, Director of Lifesaving, South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club commented: “Since the club was established in 1959, we’ve prided ourselves on looking out for people at our iconic beach.
“More recently, we’ve turned to security technology to support our lifesavers to do what they do best: stay alert for hazards,” he added.
“The most effective tool”
Andrew McCabe, a Surf Lifesaver at the club and Director Government and Defence, Pacific at Johnson Controls commented: “Sharks along with surf conditions represent two of our biggest national hazards on popular beaches, so it’s of critical importance to get people out of the water as quickly as possible when a circumstance evolves.
“To achieve a prompt evacuation of beach users from the water, an alert system such as an audible siren is the most effective tool,” McCabe continued.
“To sound a siren at South Maroubra, the club relies upon a manual switch that triggers an audible alarm across the beach, better known locally as the Shark Siren.
“Like many other surf lifesaving clubs, we have our club house situated back from the shoreline. What this means is that in the event of a hazard detection, a lifesaver is dispatched from the beach to the club house to activate the audible siren – losing precious moments to alert those at risk,” he concluded.
SMB
SMB is a cloud-based security app that streamlines everyday business tasks with plenty of functionality: from managing alarms, responding to security incidents and controlling site access.
The company says that the SMB app provided the club with security and access control through a next generation cloud-based system that can be easily managed from a smartphone.
“A positive difference”
Sabrish Venugopal, Sales Solutions Engineer, Gallagher Security explained: “Alongside our Channel Partner, Johnson Controls, we were proud to gift the club one of our Security Made Better (SMB) solutions as a joint community initiative.
“As a member of the club, Andrew floated the idea of using the SMB system to trigger the shark siren, in a first for Gallagher Security.
“We joined forces and two weeks later, we had a game-changing solution for South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.
“Now, lifesavers on surf patrol duty can launch the shark siren immediately via their smartphones if required, to help evacuate beach users from the surf faster,” he added.
“We take great pride in playing our part to support the club keep Aussies safe at the beach.
“We’re chuffed to have helped the club continue their dedicated service to keeping South Maroubra Beach safe by using Gallagher’s SMB and to see how security solutions can make such a positive difference to our daily lives,” he concluded.