Make sure you have a lot of water to keep your body hydrated. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while rock fishing as it can heavily impair your ability to think clearly and make the right decision. Moreover, alcohol also slows down your reaction time and increases your chances of getting into trouble in the water.
Rock Fishing Safety Tips
Knowing how to stay safe and what to look out for whilst rock fishing can help you to stay safe and ensure an enjoyable rock fishing experience with your friends and family.
How can I stay safe while rock fishing?
- Look for hazard signage & a rescue device. Council lifeguards place signs around the fishing spots to let you know of any dangers that may be present – make sure you look for these signs before you start fishing. Most rock fishing spots will also have an angel ring nearby for emergency use.
- Observe the spot before you start. Spend at least 20 minutes watching the conditions and your planned fishing site before beginning. If it seems too rough or too unpredictable to look for another spot.
- Never go rock fishing alone. Always go rock fishing with a friend or in a group and always remember to tell someone where you are.
- Learn to swim, learn to float, learn to survive. Learning to swim and learning to stay calm and float will help you to stay safer if you ever fall into the ocean or if you ever get washed in while rock fishing - it's never too late to learn.
- Pick a safe spot and plan an escape route. Continuously monitor the conditions as they can change quickly and never turn your back on the ocean as large swells can occur suddenly. Always plan a safe way to get out in case you get washed in.
- If you get washed in to the ocean, just stay calm and look for an exit. If you are washed in, just stay calm and swim away from the rocks. After that, look for a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat and wait for help to arrive.
- If you see someone who is washed in the ocean, DO NOT jump in. You can help someone by throwing them something to hold onto. Look around, many fishing spots have red floatation devices installed for public use. Get help by calling 000 – always make sure you know your exact location.
Do not pack alcohol.
Remember it is never too late to learn to swim.
Learn to swim, learn to float, learn to survive. Learning to swim and learning how to stay calm and float will help you to stay safer if you ever fall into the ocean or if you ever get washed in while rock fishing – it’s never too late to learn.
Are you new to rock fishing?
Watch this video from YouTuber Hadi and his crew Team Kingies to learn more about some of the beginner basics.
Source: Surf Life Saving
