POLICE, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have teamed up to urge rock anglers to make sure safety was their priority across the Easter long weekend.
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The NSW Police Force's special services group commander, Assistant Commissioner Mal Lanyon, said the Easter long weekend was traditionally a busy time along the coast, especially with rock and beach anglers.
“We are expecting to see lots of anglers out this weekend, and while the current weather predictions are suitable, it can change at any moment,” Assistant Commissioner Lanyon said.
“Rock fishing can be risky in any conditions but even on a calm day, the most important piece of equipment for an angler is a life jacket.
“I urge anyone planning to head out onto the rocks to heed our advice.
"We aren’t trying to spoil anyone’s fun, we are trying to save your life."
The BOM has developed, in consultation with industry stakeholders, a forecast service where statements highlighting the risks to rock fishing were included in forecasts for hazardous surf conditions in NSW.
BOM national manager of marine weather services Neal Moodie said checking the BOM's website for the latest conditions was critical for rock fishing safety.
“Conditions on the water can change quickly and with the variable nature of wind strength and wave height, rock fishing can quickly become hazardous,” Mr Moodie said.
“The Bureau includes safety messages into its forecasts when hazardous surf conditions are expected along the New South Wales coast, and it is important that people take note and change their rock fishing plans to avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
To check the weather and conditions before rock fishing, click here.
Surf Life Saving NSW Lifesaving manager Andy Kent said rock fishing could be an extremely hazardous activity in certain conditions, especially without proper safety precautions.
“Each year surf lifesavers rescue many anglers who get caught out and are swept into the sea. Sadly, some of them drown and most are not wearing a lifejacket,” Mr Kent said.
“In conjunction with the BOM, we issue Dangerous Surf Warnings to media, alerting swimmers, surfers, rock fishers and boat skippers when hazardous conditions are on their way.
“In the last year we have extended these alerts to our coastal accommodation network which gives tourist operators safety advice and information they can pass onto visitors and guests."
Rock anglers are urged to follow these safety tips when they venture out:
- Always wear a life jacket
- Make inquiries and check weather and conditions before you leave home
- Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle
- Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water
- Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other
- Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you’ll be back
- Carry a mobile phone
- Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
- Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea
- If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately
- If in doubt, don’t go out
- In the event of an emergency, call triple-zero (000) immediately.
