Auckland, Aug 14 NZPA - Calls for improved safety at Bethells Beach following the death of Warriors rugby league player Sonny Fai are being supported by Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

Chief Coroner Neil MacLean recommended an emergency landline phone at the remote beach after an inquest yesterday into the 20-year-old man's drowning.

Mr Harvey, a veteran surf lifesaver, said the phone would be a great safety boost.

Telephone coverage in the area was patchy and many nearby houses did not get regular reception, he said.

"Getting quick help in the surf can be the difference between life and death. As a surf lifesaver of 50 years I know that when you're in trouble in the water, minutes count.

"An emergency phone could stop more tragedies like this," Mr Harvey said.

A total of 22 people have drowned on Auckland's west coast beaches in the past decade, including four in 2008.

Waitakere City Council will work with Telecom, Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and the community to establish the emergency phone at Bethells Beach.

The council has previously worked with the ARC and community groups to improve safety on the coast.

Signage was put up on every west coast beach in 2005, warning of the danger in the surf.

Lifebuoys were installed at rock fishing spots on beaches including Bethells, Whatipu, Muriwai and Piha in 2008.

Mr Harvey said that people should be able to enjoy the beauty of the wild west coast.

"We are doing our best to make sure it's safe," he said.

At yesterday's inquest, Mr MacLean found that Fai drowned at Auckland's Bethells Beach on January 4.

He disappeared into the surf after going to the rescue of his brother Gillespie who was caught in a rip.

His body has not been found.

"Sonny Fai died when he succumbed to the surf conditions and drowned, despite extensive and intensive efforts of recovery," Mr MacLean said at the inquest in Auckland Coroner's Court.

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