As we begin 2015, Surf Life Saving Australia has looked back on 2014, to a year where Rock Fishing was declared as the most dangerous activity you can do on the coast.

In the past ten years, 78 drownings have occurred off the rocks in NSW alone, with a further four as a result of someone jumping in to save a mate. It’s no wonder the NSW Coroner declared is as the sport with the highest fatality rate out of ALL SPORTS in Australia.

“Rock fishing is 3.1 times riskier than swimming based on participation and fatalities occurring during these activities in NSW.“ Says the report. “These statistics reinforce Surf Life Saving’s important work to reduce the rock-fishing-related drowning rate by introducing and enhancing dangerous surf warnings, educating rock fishers on safe angling techniques and lobbying for legislation to mandate the wearing of lifejackets.

Interestingly, the survey also captures a shapshot of the Australian recreational fishing scene with 20% of the country’s population saying they participate in fishing activities. Those recreational anglers spend 58 hours a year on average with a line in the water, which is either a good, or bad year depending on which side of the mean you sit.

Overall there were 84 coastal drowning deaths in 2014, 12 of which were as a result of rock fishing, and 15 while boating, which includes fishing from a boat. That’s almost one third of the total, so stay safe on the water, always wear a life jacket, and watch out for your mates!

To read the whole report, click here to read it on the Surf Life Saving Australia Website.

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