Northern Beaches Council can now enforce the wearing of life jackets by rock fishermen along declared high risk areas of the coastline with the focus being on educating anglers of the need to wear them over the coming months.  

The move comes following Council adopting the legislation at the June 2018 Council meeting after the Minister for Emergency Services announced coastal councils could elect to opt-in to the legislation from April last year.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said it was very obvious that opting into the legislation was the right thing for our community given the extensive coastline we have.

“There are many inherent dangers to this recreational pursuit despite your age and experience level and it is Council’s utmost priority to keep the community safe.

“I am pleased to say along with Randwick and Richmond Valley Councils we are leading the way by coming on board this very important public safety initiative. 

“The focus will be on educating anglers on the new laws over the coming months and providing advice on safe rock fishing to ensure you get home to your families without harm.

“As well as wearing a lifejacket at all times, also wear appropriate footwear, check the weather conditions including the swell and tide and never fish alone to ensure you have an enjoyable day out.” Mayor Regan said.

The Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016 requires rock fishers to wear appropriate lifejackets when rock fishing or helping others rock fish within the boundaries of each relevant local government area.

Under the legislation, high risk areas are naturally occurring rock platforms or other rock formations exposed to the ocean swell. There are numerous locations from Palm Beach to Manly which are known hot spots for rock fishing incidents which this legislation will apply to.

NSW Police with support from Council Rangers, DPI Fisheries Officers and National Parks and Wildlife Service Rangers are authorised to enforce the Act.

For more information about this legislation, safety and maps of the areas the legislation is enforced, visit the Department of Primary Industry website or Water Safety NSW.