HAVE YOUR SAY ON MAKING ROCK FISHING SAFER

[fishingvic]

HAVE YOUR SAY ON MAKING ROCK FISHING SAFER


Media release Wednesday 13 October 2021

HAVE YOUR SAY ON MAKING ROCK FISHING SAFER
Rock fishing is an increasingly popular past time and a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, but it can also be a dangerous sport for which new safety measures are being considered at select locations.
Tragically, several rock fishers have died after being swept off coastal rock shelves.
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is now seeking feedback on a proposal to require fishers to wear lifejackets when fishing at certain high-risk locations during a two-year trial.
VFA CEO Travis Dowling said the evidence was irrefutable that wearing a life jacket substantially reduces the risk of drowning in the unfortunate event that a rock fisher ends up in the water.
“Mandating the wearing of life jackets may be necessary to keep more people safe and avoid the preventable loss of life,” Mr Dowling said.
“The proposal is to require fishers wear a lifejacket when fishing at nine dangerous locations, which have been selected based on previous rock fishing related deaths and near fatal incidents.
“We are keen to understand community views on this proposal and have released a Discussion Paper for public comment. Any changes would be supported by a revamped public education campaign to encourage safe rock fishing and inform coastal fishers about appropriate safety measures.
“At the end of the day, we want to help keep recreational fishing fun and safe.”
Sites to be included in the trial:


• Punchbowl Rocks (near San Remo)
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse rocks
• Rocks at the southern end of Potters Hill Road (San Remo)
• Rock platform near the blow holes carpark at Cape Bridgewater
• Dragon’s Head at Rye back beach
• Bush Rangers Bay rocks, east of Cape Schanck
• Sorrento back beach rocks
• Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne
• Rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne

The Discussion Paper is available at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/rockfishing and feedback can be sent to haveyoursay@vfa.vic.gov.au by 5pm on 19 November 2021.
Should the proposal proceed, the VFA will work with key recreational fishing groups on an education program with the aim of having any new arrangements in place by December 2021.
Media contact: Amelia Crafter 0437 801 068

[Sebb]

Imagine if those rock platforms got safety rails to hold on plus rod holders. It'd be awesome.

[e.welch]

Imagine if those rock platforms got safety rails to hold on plus rod holders. It'd be awesome.

every man and his kids would start fishing there it would turn into piers except without the trash cans imagine how much worse it would turn into. leave the rocks with stuff you can clip into rather than add rails it will keep a lot more idiots away and make it safer for the committed rock fishers.

[Nude up]

Makes sense to wear a lifejacket in dangerous locations. I have to wear one in my boat if I am alone or at times of heightened risk. should be the same for everybody. I use a yoke type its not restrictive.