Lifejackets for rockfishers, says Coroner

A recent inquest into nine deaths which have occurred as a result of rock fishing in NSW between November 1, 2012, and February 1, 2015, has wound up with the recommendation that lifejackets be mandatory.

It is now only a matter of time before legislation is introduced. While we publish this news, the latest findings and recommendations in relation to rock fishing deaths on our boating websites, water safety is something we actively promote.

Many boat fishers partake in other forms of the sport. Additionally, all things fishing enjoy big engagement on our sites.

There have already been a number of coronial recommendations in relation to rock fishing in NSW following an inquest in 2011. These included:

>> Undertaking research to identify demographic groups most at risk of rock fishing related fatalities and identify the effectiveness of educational, enforcement and engineering safety methods used to prevent the fatalities.
>> The the results of the research be used to develop a rock fishing safety program for NSW.
>> That the Department of Primary Industries consider expediting the erection of warning signs and provision of angel rings.
>> That the level of funding for education campaigns is sufficient and consider whether or not it should be compulsory for a rock fisherman to have a flotation device.

Since 2012, and these prior recommendations, a further 35 people have died while rock fishing in NSW. The emotional and social cost of these deaths to family, friends and the community is enormous.

Detective Superintendent M Hutchings, Commander of the Marine Area Command which is responsible for the coordination of the searches and body recovery in rock fishing accidents, described the rescue operations as dangerous, resource intensive and normally undertaken in treacherous conditions.

In 2011, Hutchins stated that each death costs an average of $450,000.

LATEST INQUEST
The primary purpose of the latest Inquest was to ascertain what more might be done to make rock fishing safer for fisherman and to prevent the fatalities from continuing.

Rock fishing safety messages were distributed widely in the meantime including:
>> Make enquiries and check 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
>> Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you will be back
>> Wear light clothing
>> Wear appropriate footwear, with non-slip souls or cleats
>> 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 in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
>> Stay alert. Do not ever turn your back on the sea: if waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot then leave immediately
>> Always wear a lifejacket.

These safety messages formed part of the NSW Water Safety Strategy for 2013-2015 and are promoted across water safety websites. We repeat them here in the hope they will heeded.

But clearly there’s more than can be done.

Tellingly, one of the deaths from rock fishing in the recent inquest was of an fisher who fell in the water and drowned, also as a result of a heart condition, while a rock-fishing safety video was being produced independently just a few hundred metres away.

In fact, a surprising number of experienced rock fishers feature in the sorry stats and often the conditions during which they were washed in and drowned were in accord with the safety recommendations. Rogue waves seem to exist. Circumstances can be out of your control.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Now Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes has recommended that lifejackets should be mandatory for rock fishermen. 

The introduction of the wearing of mandatory lifejackets is supported by all of the stakeholders involved in these deaths. This includes the land managers of the areas where the deaths occurred, the rescue agencies involved, SLS NSW and many of the bereaved families and friends or witnesses involved in the deaths.

Angling bodies, the RFA and ANSA support the introduction provided that the lifejackets are appropriate.

As to the disadvantages, there is the inevitable loss of autonomy for rock fishers. There is also the cost of the jacket and any fine that might be imposed as a result of not wearing it.

But it is clear from the evidence that these costs are far outweighed by the saving of lives and the subsequent reduction of social and financial costs associated with the loss of lives in rock fishing.

There are, of course, precedents for similar mandatory measures, such as the mandatory wearing of seat belts, bike helmets and lifejackets in certain boating situations. All of these measures have had successful outcomes.

THOUSANDS OF NSW ROCKHOPPERS
It has been estimated that 1 million residents in NSW apply for a fishing licence each year. Of these it has been estimated that 15-20 per cent engages in rock fishing.

In conclusion, the weight of all of the evidence shows that it is desirable and in the interests of public health and safety for the introduction of legislation requiring the mandatory use of lifejackets by those engaged in rock fishing.

Among the other recommendations is that of shock signage, indicating the number of deaths or serious injuries associated with rock fishing in a particular location, at identified locations of particular danger for rock fishing.

Full coronial report at http://www.coroners.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Rock%20fishing%20Findings.pdf. Photo credit opening pic by Suzanne Lawson.