RADIO UPGRADE IMPROVES SAFETY ON THE BEACH

Radio communication will become clearer and more reliable at drowning blackspots like Boomerang Beach, Seal Rocks, Catherine Hill Bay and Snapper Point, as surf live savers go digital along the Hunter and Lower North Coast.

From Camden Haven in the north to Catherine Hill Bay in the south, the old analogue radio network will be replaced with state-of-the art technology.

“Some of the busiest beaches in the state are in this popular stretch of coastline,” said Surf Life Saving NSW President, George Shales.

“This upgrade and the integration across our radio network will mean less downtime and disruption to communications between our patrolling lifesavers on the beach and our State Operations Centre.”

Last year, more than 770,000 people visited the region’s patrolled beaches, with volunteers responding to 81 major emergency incidents and callouts.

The News South Wales Government is contributing $800,000 for the upgrade, which will include the relocation or rebuilding of 10 radio repeaters.