Wollongong City Council’s beach services operations manager Murray Copas, Councillor Ann Martin, Surf Life Saving Illawarra director Jackie Percy and Superintendent of Lake Illawarra Police Craig Ireland at the popular rock fishing spot Hill 60, Port Kembla. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
A fishing expedition could turn into an expensive day out for anyone busted without a life jacket.
Wollongong City Council opted in to the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 and the area was declared high-risk for a rock fishing area.
This means life jackets are mandatory for anyone, of any age, fishing off natural or man-made rock formations that are exposed to ocean swell.
Fines of $100 per person and an infringement notice will be issued to anyone found not following the rules.
NSW Police have enforced the measures from November 2023 and will do so again this summer.
Superintendent of Lake Illawarra Police Craig Ireland said a $100 fine paled in comparison to the potential consequences of rock fishing without a life jacket.
“It’s risking your life, not just risking a fine,” he said.
“Imagine how your family will feel if you don’t come home.
“In the event someone goes in the water it’s a massive operation that involves police, council, lifeguards, marine rescue.
“It’s distressing, usually you have the relatives of the people who have gone into the water there with you. It’s not something we want to see happen again.”
The Christmas-new year period can see people heading out in search of that prized catch, but rock fishing is statistically one of Australia’s most dangerous sports, claiming about 13 lives each year.
Six lives have been lost at Port Kembla since 2021.
Despite a $100 fine for rock fishers found not wearing life jackets, this fisherman at Hill 60 is unconcerned. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Wollongong City Council operations manager of beach services Murray Copas said there was a misconception that life jackets were unnecessary for more experienced rock fishermen.
“Regardless of your rock fishing experience, conditions can change rapidly and the ocean can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable,” Mr Copas said.
“Life jackets save lives, it’s as simple as that.”
Port Kembla local and Ward 3 Councillor Ann Martin echoed his call.
“While your view for yourself may be that you don’t need a life jacket, it’s not just about you,” she said.
“Your view for your family should be to wear a life jacket. Conditions can look really calm, but you just need a change of wind and you’re in trouble.
“When we saw fatalities increase, we’ve worked with the police and Surf Life Saving NSW to conduct workshops on basic safety, and we would hope this year we don’t see any fatalities.
“We welcome people to our beaches and our rock platforms, but we would really like them to go home safely.”
Other safety precautions people should take include regularly checking weather and tide conditions, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear with non-slip soles, never fishing alone, and always carrying a mobile phone, EPIRB or two-way radio.
If someone is swept into the water, do not jump in after them. If there is a lifebuoy, angel ring or flotation device nearby, throw it to the person to help them keep afloat and call triple zero (000) immediately.
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