The response in Eden was predominantly positive, with Eden Amateur Fishing Club president Bob Wilcox supporting the legislation.

“Saving people from getting drowned is a good thing; it’s a dangerous sport,” Mr Wilcox said. 

Eden Marine Rescue unit commander John McKinnon said wearing a life vest was a “no-brainer” and the legislation long overdue.

The new legislation was also welcomed by Surf Life Saving NSW, with manager Andy Kent saying the organisation looked forward to being part of the working group helping identify high-risk locations and determining how the legislation could be rolled out.

“We have been working with emergency services, Department of Primary Industries and recreational rock fishing groups for some time to try to find answers to the high incidence of drowning among rock fishers,” Mr Kent said.

But the “high incidence of drowning” is contentious, with only two rock fisher deaths in the Eden area since 2009 – one off Haycock Point, the other Greencape’s Pulpit Rock - with one of the deceased allegedly intoxicated. 

Eden Water Police sergeant Steven Judd supported mandatory life-vests, but said the onus should remain on common sense.

“Any time you’re in the water unexpectedly, a life jacket is helpful, but just as important are the actions and preparations you take before you get to that point, that stop you from getting washed in; knowing the conditions, being prepared and keeping an eye on the water,” Sergeant Judd said. 

“If you think it’s unsafe, it probably is.”

Avid fisherman Scott Cowdrey from Bournda was torn on the issue.

“On one level it’s just another law; people telling you what you can and can’t do,” Mr Cowdrey said. “But it’s probably one of the best rules they’ve brought out.

“For added safety, why wouldn’t you wear one?”