rock fishing safety

rock fishing safety

The situation

Rock fishing is considered to be one of the most dangerous aquatic sports in Australia. Following a spate of rock fishing drowning deaths from 2005-2007 (5), and again in 2009 (3) within a concentrated area of the Bass Coast in Victoria, water safety agencies were called to action to work to prevent further drowning deaths in this manner. In all 13 drowning deaths involving rock fishing between 2000 and 2012 the incidents involved males, typically aged between 35-59 years, and from a non-English speaking background. In all cases the person was not wearing a lifejacket at the time.

In response, Life Saving Victoria conducted a communications safety campaign targeting rock fishers between 2013 and 2015. The aim was to educate rock fishers on the dangers inherent in their sport, in the face of a poor awareness and knowledge of the risks associated with rock fishing, and a lack of lifejacket use in all drowning incidents.

Despite the efforts of LSV and stakeholders, Victorian’s continue to drown when rock fishing. On Saturday 10 January last year, a 67-year-old man was swept off the rocks while fishing near Sorrento. Just a week later on Sunday 18 January, a 26-year-old fisherman was also washed off the rocks at Bridgewater Bay in Portland. As neither were wearing personal protective clothing  this highlights the need for lifejackets to be worn, as it could be the difference between life and death for fishers in the sport.

Chinese fisherman Victor Fan, who was fortunate to survive a rock fishing drowning incident in January 2012 at Pyramid Rock, expressed his despair about the two drowning deaths, “I was very shocked to hear of the two rock fishing incidents. I feel so sorry about the news and for those two families. People don’t realise just how dangerous rock fishing can be, I know I certainly didn’t. I urge people to learn from my mistake and ensure they prepare for changing conditions and always wear a lifejacket. No fish is worth risking your life.”

Life Saving Victoria Principal Research Associate Dr Bernadette Matthews says these tragedies highlight the need for rock fishers to be prepared by wearing a lifejacket while fishing. “It’s a sad reality that the simple act of wearing a lifejacket would have most likely saved many lives. In all of the rock fishing drowning cases we have seen in Victoria since 2000, none have been wearing lifejackets. If you do get swept off the rocks unexpectedly, wearing a properly fitting lifejacket will keep you afloat with your head above water until help can arrive.”

What we have done to date

Last year, LSV conducted a Rock Fishing Workshop for Vietnamese fishers with 28 in attendance, as well as a workshop for Chinese fishers with 23 in attendance, this gives a total of 51 from the highest risk groups. In addition we have promoted rock fishing safety through:

-              Education booths at multicultural community events

-              Roadside billboards and signage at popular rock fishing sites

-              Print and radio media

-              Our affiliations (Vic Pol, Fisheries, VR Fish, etc.)

Safety Tips

To prevent further tragedies in this manner, the key messages that LSV needs your help to remind the rock fishing community of include:

•             Always wear a life jacket

•             Never fish alone

•             Inform others of your plans

•             Wear light clothing and appropriate footwear

•             Carry safety gear - carry a rope and a float

•             Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas

•             Observe first, fish later

•             Plan an escape route in case you are washed in

•             Stay alert

•             Ask for advice from locals who know the area

For more information on rock fishing please visit www.lifesavingvictoria.com.au/rockfishing

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