Rock anglers are being reminded to stay safe this Easter long weekend.
NSW Police Force, Surf Life Saving NSW and the Bureau of Meteorology came together on Thursday, April 2, at Balmain to promote safety guidelines for rock anglers.
The Bureau of Meteorology has developed a forecast service where the risks to rock fishing are now included in forecasts for hazardous surf conditions in NSW.
National manager of Marine Weather Services, Neal Moodie, said checking the Bureau of Meteorology’s website for the latest conditions was 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 quickly can become hazardous,” he said.
“The bureau includes safety messages into its forecasts when hazardous surf conditions are expected along the NSW coast.
‘‘it is important that people take note and change their rock fishing plans to avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
NSW Police’s special services group commander, Assistant Commissioner Mal Lanyon, said the Easter long weekend was traditionally a busy time along the coast, especially with rock and beach anglers.
“We are expecting to see lots of anglers out this weekend and although the current weather predictions are suitable, it can change at any moment,” he 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 are not trying to spoil anyone’s fun, we are trying to save your life.’’
Surf Life Saving NSW lifesaving manager, Andy Kent, said rock fishing could be an extremely hazardous activity in certain conditions, especially without proper safety precautions.
“In conjunction with the bureau, we issue dangerous surf warnings to media, and alerting swimmers, surfers, rock fishers and boat skippers when hazardous conditions are on their way,’’ he said.
“We have extended these alerts in the past year to our coastal accommodation network which gives tourist operators safety advice and information they can pass on to visitors and guests.’’
Rock anglers are reminded to always wear a life jacket, check weather and conditions before they leave home, observe first and then fish later, carry safety gear, head protection, a float and a line, never fish by themselves and always stand within sight of one another.
Visit www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/check-rock-fishing.shtml to check the weather conditions before rock fishing.
