North Bondi rock fishing fatality
BY ASHLEY DEVINE
Police have yet to release the name of the man who drowned after being swept off the rocks while fishing at North Bondi on Monday November 24.
According to the Police report, at about 7.30am a 74-year-old Berala man and a 38-year-old man were fishing on a rock platform near the base of the cliff adjoining the fifth hole of the Bondi Golf Course on Military Road.
Inspector Michael Flood from Waverley Police said: ‘The man had been fishing with a relative’about five metres above the water. It appears he’s just been washed off the rocks.’
An Ambulance helicopter spokeswoman said the 38-year-old man had contacted Emergency services.
‘He said, ‘He’s in the water’hanging onto rocks.’ [In response] rescue helicopter 22 was activated. The man was retrieved from the water and was unable to be resuscitated. He was transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and pronounced dead.’
The incident, the second rock fishing fatality in four days, led Surf Life Saving NSW to issue a warning.
“Fishing from rock platforms is intrinsically dangerous as the sea conditions can be unpredictable and you can quickly find yourself in trouble,” Lifesaving Services Manager Craig Roberts said.
Surf Life Saving NSW also released a safety guide for rock fishing.
It suggests people need to:
check the tides and weather conditions;
stay alert to changing sea and weather conditions;
wear appropriate clothes and shoes (non-slip footwear);
take basic safety equipment (lifejacket or harness);
tell someone where they plan to fish and when they will return,
and fish with a friend.
There were four deaths in NSW last year from rock/beach fishing.
The NSW Fisheries guide suggest: ‘Bring something buoyant that can be easily thrown and held onto, to help you stay afloat. Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas.’
For more information on fishing safely visit:
‘ http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater-fishing/safety
‘ www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au
‘ www.angelrings.com.au
