SURF Life Saving NSW has urged fishermen to wear lifejackets and non-slip footwear after a man drowned while rock fishing at Lighthouse Beach on Sunday.
The man was fishing alone and the alarm was only raised when he did not arrive for his golf game.
The Surf Life Saving Emergency Response system was tasked by police around 1.30pm. Some clothing was found on rocks, and Marine Rescue and lifesavers aboard a jetski subsequently found the man floating beneath the water to the north of Tacking Point. The man, aged 46, could not be revived.
A name and further details were not available from police at the time of going to press, although it is believed the family has requested that the man’s name not be made public.
A spokesperson for Surf Life Saving NSW said this incident and other recent deaths highlighted the dangers of rock fishing.
“Rock fishing is the second highest cause of drowning in NSW and coming into autumn, this time of year now is a particularly dangerous period,” she said.
“We advise rock fisherman to always wear a lifejacket, that’s the number one thing.
“Obviously never fish alone, check the tides and conditions, wear some lightweight clothing and non-slip footwear.”
In a separate incident, Surf Lifesavers were searching for a missing person earlier this week, possibly a rock fisherman, after a car was found on the beach at Booti Booti National Park near Forster.
Rockfishing safety tips include:
* Always wear a lifejacket and non-slip footwear.
* Check tides, swell and weather conditions.
* Fish with a friend – never fish alone.
* Carry a mobile phone.
* Never turn your back to the sea.
* Always spend time watching the conditions before fishing, and constantly scan for changing conditions.
* If in doubt, don’t go out.
