A man, 24, has been pulled from the water after being swept off rocks at Wattamolla in the Royal National Park on Friday.
Emergency services were called to Wattamolla about 2.40pm after the man was washed off rocks into the ocean at Providential Point Lookout.
Officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command, assisted by the Marine Area Command, NSW Ambulance and Surf Live Saving commenced a search of the area.
About 3.45pm, the man was pulled from the water by Surf Life Saving NSW and taken to St George Hospital.
Late yesterday, he remained in a critical condition.
Police urged rock anglers to heed the following safety tips before venturing out.
* Always wear a life jacket
* Make enquiries and check weather and conditions before you leave home
* Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle
* Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water.
* Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other
* Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you'll be back
* Carry a mobile phone
* Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
* Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea
* If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately
* If in doubt, don't go out
* In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Further safety information can be found at: www.safefishing.com.au.
Multilingual rock fishing safety brochures can be downloaded from the website: www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au/fishing.htm