FOLLOWING two Coronial Inquiries that recommended legislation making lifejackets mandatory for rock fishers, the NSW Government implemented the Rock Fishing Safety Act, which has been in place in Sydney’s Randwick local government area for two years. The Act requires rock fishers to wear appropriate lifejackets when rock fishing or helping others rock fish within the boundaries of each relevant local government area.
Two additional Councils – Northern Beaches Council in Sydney and Richmond Valley Council (Evans Head area) on the North Coast – have now “opted-in” to the Act.
NSW DPI is currently working with a number of other Councils which will soon be coming onboard this important public safety initiative.
Rock fishers now need to wear an appropriate lifejacket (an AS4758 approved model is best) when fishing in the Northern Beaches and Richmond Valley LGAs. A six-month advisory period will apply in both locations. The advisory period will involve campaigns to inform anglers about the new laws and will provide advice on safe rock fishing.
NSW Police, with support from local Council Rangers, DPI Fisheries Officers and National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers, are authorised to enforce the Act and will provide information on safe rock fishing. Fines for not wearing a lifejacket will apply in both new locations following the six-month advisory period.
As well as always wearing a lifejacket, rock fishers are encouraged to follow safe rock fishing protocols, including:
- Check the weather, swell and tide conditions before you leave home; stay alert to changing weather conditions while you’re out fishing.
- Wear non-slip shoes and light, non-restrictive clothing.
- DO NOT rock fish when the conditions are dangerous.
- Never fish alone. Never turn your back on the ocean.
- Do not jump in if someone is washed into the ocean: throw a lifebuoy, call 000 or get help.
For more information on rock fishing safety, visit http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au and http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.
In the meantime, stay tuned for new instructional videos and educational material aimed at helping fishers enjoy safe and productive rock fishing.