Gallagher Security goes on shark patrol with mobile-based alert system

Sydney, Australia - Keeping beachgoers, swimmers and surfers safe is all in a day’s work for the team at South Maroubra Surf Live Saving Club, and every second counts when an incident unfolds on the water.

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.

“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,” says Simon Torsellini, Director of Lifesaving, South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.

“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. 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.”

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.

Andrew McCabe, a surf lifesaver at the club and Director Government and Defence, Pacific at Johnson Controls, spoke to Gallagher Security about a smarter way to raise the all-important shark siren.

After initially working with the club in 2023, Gallagher Security’s Sales Solutions Engineer - NSW, Sabrish Venugopal, was pleased to work together again and find a way to further support the hardworking lifesavers and volunteers at South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.

“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,” says Sabrish.

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 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.

“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,” says Sabrish.

“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.”

Sabrish says the Gallagher Security team genuinely enjoys engaging with End Users to discuss any challenges they may be facing, with the aim of developing tailored solutions. They also value close collaboration with Channel Partners like Johnson Controls, who have a deep understanding of Gallagher Security products and play a key role in enhancing security efficiency.

“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,” says Sabrish.