Safety message starting to get through to anglers

31.08.2010

VIETNAMESE rock fishermen received
intensive training at Port Kembla on
Saturday, in the hope they will spread the
safety message in their communities.
Rock fishing is one of the country's
most dangerous pastimes, claiming 13
lives in the past 12 months. People from
non-English speaking backgrounds are
over-represented in fatalities and efforts
are being made to educate ethnic groups
about the risks of this popular activity.
On the South Coast, nine rock anglers
have lost their lives while fishing in the
past decade.
The workshop at Port Kembla, a notoriously
dangerous rock fishing spot, was
conducted as part of a national strategy
and public education partnership between
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA),
sports fishing associations and the NSW
Government.
Anthony Bradstreet from SLSA said 45
anglers from Sydney and the Illawarra
attended the event, following a campaign
on the website www.safefishing.corn.au.
"We definitely think education is key
and we're really pushing to get the
message out there," he said.
"We try and set the rock fishermen up
as ambassadors in their own communities
so they can spread the message and
we receive very positive feedback about
this."
Safety briefings included advice on
checking conditions before going out,
using the right equipment, such as nonslip
shoes and light clothing, and ensuring
they go fishing with a friend.
All participants were also given a life
jacket to wear while fishing.
Mr Bradstreet said he believed the
safety message was starting to get
through to rock anglers.
"Anecdotally, we are seeing a higher
percentage of rock fishermen wearing
life jackets," he said.