Life jackets now mandatory when rock fishing

Life jackets are now mandatory for people who are rock fishing in the Wollongong Local Government Area with anyone caught not wearing a lifejacket while rock fishing potentially receiving an on the spot fine of $100 from NSW Police.

This penalty has come into effect one year on from the NSW Government’s approval to include the Wollongong region as a declared area in NSW. Under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, people rock fishing in a declared area such as Wollongong are required by law to wear an appropriate lifejacket. This includes children and anyone helping you fish.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that now the moratorium on fines has come to an end, Council has installed updated warning signage at Hill 60 to remind fishers of their responsibilities.

“Rock fishing is one of the riskiest sports in Australia. The ocean is extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Council’s decision to opt-in to the NSW Government declared areas in 2022, was one way we could enforce the wearing of lifejackets,” Cr Bradbery said.

“The new signage, installed at Hill 60, will make it blatantly obvious that penalties will apply to people who are caught fishing without a life jacket. It joins the existing signage that gives a stark warning of the danger, by listing the number of people who have died rock fishing at this location.”

The new signage is written in English with the key safety message translated in Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Burmese and Vietnamese.

“Over the coming months, Council will continue to roll out rock fishing signage at several other high-risk locations. We want to get the word out to people planning on rock fishing, that lifejackets are not optional. NSW Police will be monitoring these areas and may issue on the spot fines to people fishing without a lifejacket. Be warned.”

If you plan on rock fishing, please carefully consider the following safety tips.

1. Always wear a lifejacket.
2. Regularly check weather and tide conditions and continue to monitor conditions while you’re fishing.
3. Identify the safest location to fish, that includes considering a possible escape route in case you’re swept into the water.
4. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear – non-slip soles or cleats and lightweight clothing.
5. Always fish with others and let others know where you will be going.
6. Carry a mobile phone, EPIRB or radio.

Lake Illawarra Police District Commander Superintendent Craig Ireland said life jackets were an important safety measure.

“The introduction of mandatory life jackets for rock fishing is an important measure that will increase the safety of everyone who engages in this activity,’’ he said.

“The unpredictable nature of the ocean has seen too many lives lost, regardless of experience levels or local knowledge.  Police would love to see compliance with the signage rather than issue fines. But ultimately, the rock fishing rules are designed to save lives and police will be involved in patrolling these areas to ensure compliance.’’

Marine Rescue NSW Illawarra Inspector Stuart Massey encourage rock fishers to wear life jackets, and to ensure they’re in good condition.

“Marine Rescue NSW encourages all rock fishers to wear lifejackets and ensure they are in good working order,’’ he said.

“We ask that rock fishers check the weather and conditions before heading out and keep checking them.

“Rock fishers should avoid coastal rock platforms exposed to the ocean and seek a safe location that is sheltered from the surf.

“Know the area you intend to fish and please don’t take unnecessary risks that could be life-threatening.

“Don’t fish alone and tell someone where you’re going and when you’re due back so an alert can be raised as quickly as possible if you don’t return as planned.

“Marine Rescue NSW has over 100 volunteers in the Illawarra with the Port Kembla and Shellharbour units ready to assist those in need.

“The Port Kembla and Shellharbour units each have 10 metre Naiad rescue vessels featuring state of the art search and rescue technology including FLIR (forward looking infrared camera) sonar, radar and advanced navigation equipment.''

Surf Life Saving Illawarra President Peter Evert reminded swimmers to stick to swimming between the red and yellow flags.

“If you are rock fishing and require a swim, please do so at a patrolled beach and between the red and yellow flags,’’ he said.

For more information on rock fishing, including what to do if someone is swept into the water, see our webpage.