Avoid dangerous situations

Many people enjoy rock fishing, but it can be very dangerous and when people take risky actions they endanger themselves and others. Be safe while rock fishing and avoid putting yourself in risky and dangerous situations.

#1 Unsafe Fishing Spots

Don't choose unsafe and unstable spots to fish from.

While you might feel it’s a better place to catch fish – being in an unstable and difficult spot like this will only risk your safety and your life. Even when the water looks calm, surging waves can happen at any time knowcking you off the rocks. You risk being severely injured or putting someone else in dangerous situations.

#2 Underestimating the power of the ocean

While it can seem like the ocean is calm, and many times it can be - its important to remember that the weather and ocean conditions can change very quickly.

If you have put yourself in a situation that is difficult to get out of or escape from, you may end up putting yourself in danger. You should always have a plan of escape and you must always monitor the ocean and the conditions and make sure you know when the tides are coming in and what the swell is predicted to do.

#3 Overestimating your skill & ability

Whenever we take part in a dangerous sport it's important to understand and know your own skill and limitiations.

When we don’t understand our own limits and abilities we are more likely to put ourselves in dangerous situations. Doing research to better understand risks associated with rock fishing and how we can avoid dangerous situations is vital. Being stuck out on a remote or flooded rock platform that has been covered by the incoming tide creates a risky situation for yourself and those who will need to rescue you.

#4 Rockfishing alone

Not only is it safer to go rock fishing with someone but it is also more fun!

Rock fishing by yourself, especially in a quiet or remote spot means that if something did happen there would be no there to assist you or get help. Making sure we always take a friend and always let others know where we are going and when we plan to be back is vital to staying safe.

#5 Not wearing a lifejacket

Wearing a lifejacket is one of the easiest things we can do to keep ourselves safe.

Ensuring that our lifejacket is the right size and that we regularly maintain the jacket is important to make sure that when we do need it, it will be able to keep us safe. If you have a self-inflate life jacket, knowing how to inflate your lifejacket is vital to ensure you do not panic if you ever fall into the ocean.