Saturday’s fishing tragedy when a Canberra man died after being swept off rocks at Tathra has reignited discussion around the issue of mandatory lifejackets for rock fishermen.
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The incident occurred around 1.10pm on Saturday, when the 54-year-old and four other men were dragged into the water by dangerous seas while rock fishing near Kianinny Bay
Commercial fisherman Shane Babington heard cries for help and ran down to the rocks where he saw four people in the water and while one made it back up the rocks on his own, there were still three in the water with only one life jacket.
He called 000 before he and his neighbour Bill Aliendi dashed to Kianinny boat ramp, where they were able to retrieve two of the men.
The police, Tathra Surf Life Saving Club and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter all searched for the remaining man, but later found the 54-year-old unconscious.
The lifesavers and paramedics provided CPR to the man, but he could not be revived. CPR was also performed on a second man, who lifesavers said responded well to this treatment.
Neither the deceased man nor the other man requiring CPR were wearing a lifejacket, but one man pulled from the water uninjured did have one on.
Following this incident – at a gathering of representatives from water safety agencies at the Marine Area Command headquarters on Tuesday – NSW Police Marine Area Commander Mark Hutchings reminded people of the dangers of rock fishing.
“In recent weeks we’ve seen a tragic loss of life across NSW from numerous drownings. These are not merely statistics; each of these people is someone’s loved one,” Mr Hutchings said. “Taking simple steps – like wearing a life jacket, checking weather conditions, and ensuring you’re prepared with proper safety equipment – can make a significant difference.”
Rock fishing is considered one of the most dangerous sports in Australia, with an average of eight people losing their lives rock fishing in NSW every year.
This is not a new problem and in December 2016, it was made compulsory for anyone who is rock fishing anywhere in the Randwick local government area to wear a lifejacket. Isn’t it time it became compulsory everywhere?
