The Central Coast’s rock fishing community turned out in strong numbers for the Gone Fishing – Rock Fishing Safety and Skills Day at Avoca Beach held on July 19 with 160 participants taking part in free workshops, live rescue demonstrations, lifejacket fittings and family activities.
The free, full-day event was delivered by Surf Life Saving NSW with support from Central Coast Council, as part of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing rock fishing incidents along the coastline.
Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the day was a great opportunity to engage local and visiting fishers, particularly multicultural groups, with practical safety education.
“Rock fishing is one of the Central Coast’s most popular but dangerous pastimes,” Smith said.
“Many incidents happen when fishers don’t wear lifejackets, so education and access to safety equipment are essential.
“Participants learned how to assess coastal conditions, safely fit a lifejacket and respond in an emergency, with Council lifeguards on-site performing rescue demonstrations.”
Held at Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Hunter Park and the Avoca Beach rock platform, this year’s event saw 160 attendees from a wide range of backgrounds, reflecting the region’s diverse fishing community.
Mayor Lawrie McKinna said Council was proud to support Surf Life Saving NSW’s Gone Fishing – Rock Fishing Safety and Skills Day.
“Rock fishing can be very dangerous if people aren’t aware of the risk,” he said.
“It’s one of the most hazardous forms of recreational fishing in Australia, especially along exposed coastal areas like those found on the Central Coast.
“It’s important that we educate and remind people about rock fishing safety.
“Always check the conditions, wear a life jacket, know your spot, never fish alone, stay alert and wear appropriate footwear.
“Surf Life Saving NSW’s Gone Fishing – Rock Fishing Safety and Skills Day saves lives by providing people with the knowledge and equipment to fish safely and ensures everyone gets home to their families.
“This is an important event for our region and it was great to see so many people from across the community come along and get involved.”
Councillor Jared Wright said the day was a great success.
“As a resident of the suburb, I know how dangerous the rock platform can be at Avoca Beach and I am always concerned to see people not using a life jacket,” he said.
“Thanks to this program, all of the 160 participants received a life jacket and educational materials as well.
“The very next day, I saw people down at Avoca with their new life jackets on, a sign that the program was a huge success.
“We are through the halfway mark of Winter now, so with the Summer months almost upon us, this is an important reminder for everyone to please be safe around our waterways.
“We do not want to see any lives lost or injuries caused in the upcoming beach season.”
The July 19 event was the first of six rock fishing safety initiatives led by SLSNSW which will run from July to December on the Central Coast, including in-water training, youth outreach, early education and hazard tours.
For more information on rock fishing safety tips, search ‘rock fishing safety’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
