There have been six rock platform related drownings in the last two months in NSW and with hazardous weather conditions forecast for the NSW coast from Northern Rivers coastline to Eden and Surf Life Saving NSW is urging the public – particularly rock fishers – to exercise caution.
The Hazardous Surf Warning is in place for today, 30 July and tomorrow, Wednesday, 31 July after wind and swell picked up on Sunday evening and into yesterday (Monday 29 July).
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that hazardous surf conditions are likely to continue today and are expected to be at their worst tomorrow, where some beaches along the coastline are predicted to experience as large as 10-12 foot swells.
A series of rock platform related coastal drownings in recent times has shone a light on the dangers of rock fishing in particular. Earlier this month two rock fishers were swept off the rocks at Little Bay while a two week stretch between the end of May and mid-June saw two separate incidents at Kurnell result in four fatalities of people on rock shelves being washed into the ocean.
For the rock fishers who get out more during the colder months, they should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean altogether, and those who may be whale watching or walking along the rocks are encouraged to do so from a safe vantage point.
SLSNSW Director of Lifesaving, Joel Wiseman is urging the public to exercise caution if they are visiting the coast.
‘These conditions are not conducive to any sort of ocean activity, but are particularly dangerous for rock fishing, boating, surfing and swimming,’ he said.
Addressing rock fishing accidents and deaths are a big priority for Surf Life Saving and efforts to better educate at-risk communities to the dangers will continue.
‘Our Gone Fishing practical workshops, funded by the NSW Government, were extremely successful, reaching thousands of fishers and delivering more than 1000 free lifejackets to participants. Programs like this are vital if we are going to have a hope of arresting the drowning toll,’ said Joel Wiseman.
Club call-out teams, Duty Officers and surf rescue assets across the state are on standby, as always, to respond to critical coastal incidents, despite it being the off-season.
ROCK FISHING SAFETY TIPS
- Always wear a lifejacket and non-slip footwear
- Check tides, swell and weather conditions
- Fish with a friend – never fish alone
- Carry a mobile phone and let someone know where you’re planning to go and when you plan to be back
- Never turn your back to the sea
- Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and constantly scan for changing conditions
- Do NOT jump in if someone is washed into the water
- If you are swept into the water don’t panic. Stay calm and swim away from the rocks
- If witnessing an in-water emergency dial Triple Zero (000) – Police
- See www.beachsafe.org.au for patrolled locations/times and rock fishing safety information
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