Rock fishing is arguably one of the most dangerous sports and hobbies in Australia. Every year a disproportionate number of people are killed while rock fishing. Rock fishing is undertaken in a number of locations with small and large rock formations.
While rock fishing can be a dangerous activity, there are a number of key safety tips you can follow to ensure you stay safe and remember your day on the water for all the right reasons. This also applies if you are collecting abalone, oysters or other creatures off the rocks.
In response to the high numbers of drowning deaths, a coronial inquest (2015) recommended mandatory and enforced lifejacket usage which led to compulsory lifejacket usage being trialled within high risk local government areas in NSW and WA. In NSW, the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 was passed to support this recommendation and legislates it compulsory for anyone participating in rock fishing within a declared area, including children, to wear an appropriate lifejacket.
Before you go rock fishing it’s important that you STOP. LOOK. PLAN
STOP
Observe first, fish later. Be sure to check for:
LOOK
PLAN
Make sure you're prepared to go fishing by visiting the Safe Fishing website for some great advice from the Recreational Fishing Alliance.
http://www.safefishing.com.au/