Safety first for rockhoppers this Easter

NSW Police Force, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Bureau of Meteorology have developed thorough safety guidelines for rock anglers which were outlined at Balmain yesterday (Thursday April 2, 2015).

The agencies have been working together to better understand weather and wave conditions which lead to fatalities along the NSW coastline, and develop strategies to target high-risk water activities, especially rock fishing.

NSW Police’s Special Services Group Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mal Lanyon, said the Easter long weekend is traditionally a busy time along the coast, especially with rock and beach anglers.

LIFE JACKET ADVICE
"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," Assistant Commissioner Lanyon said.

WEATHER WATCHING
The Bureau of Meteorology has developed, in consultation with industry stakeholders, a forecast service where statements highlighting the risks to rock fishing are now included in forecasts for hazardous surf conditions in NSW.

Bureau of Meteorology National Manager of Marine Weather Services, Mr Neal Moodie, said checking the Bureau of Meteorology’s website for the latest conditions is 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.”

The Bureau's 'Check the weather before going rock fishing' educational webpage has been viewed by more than 30,000 people since 2012 and has been translated into Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean to reflect the diversity of the Australian rock fishing community.

To check the weather and conditions before rock fishing, visit: www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/check-rock-fishing.shtml.

SURF LIVING SAVING VIEW
Surf Life Saving NSW Lifesaving Manager, Andy Kent, said rock fishing can 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," Mr Kent said.

SAFETY TIPS
Rock anglers are urged to follow these safety tips when they venture out. A lot of this good safety advice applies to anglers in small boats too.
>> Always wear a life jacket
>> Make enquiries 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.

Further safety information can be found at: www.safefishing.com.au and www.beachsafe.org.au

In addition, ‘angel rings’ or life buoys have been installed at black spots along the state’s coast by the Australian National Sportfishing Association, with the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation and NSW Sporting Injuries Insurance.

The flotation devices are located on rock platforms and easily accessible in case of an emergency.