What You Don't Know About Rock Fishing Could Kill You

By Robert Cliford


More often than not, fishing has been considered a fairly safe sport. It's a common sport or leisure activity, be it angler fishing or deep sea. Fishing is associated with certain risks, although many are not aware of them.

In recent years, rock fishing has come under scrutiny because of the drownings associated with it. Many of the drownings have happened in Australia and New Zealand. To give you an idea, over 80 people in 2009 have drowned on the coast of Australia and 8+ of those have been from rock fishing. Rock fishing is for the purpose of finding better fish by angling from rocks in the ocean instead of from the beach.

The danger comes from waves that sweep the victims off their feet. They can drown directly from the water or hit their heads against the rocks when the waves come, leaving them unconscious and unable to fend for themselves.

What can be done to decrease the number of fishing deaths?Statistics show that in 2009-2010, 12 of 94 drownings were related to rock fishing. Then in 2011, 10% of coastal drownings were from rock fishing. These statistics are given by the Australian Coastal Report. Although no amount of precautions can guarantee it, an interesting discovery was made about the victims of rock fishing. Dr. Matthews, researcher in Victoria, states that none of the victims were wearing a life jacket.

Campaigns have increased because of the deaths, with the number one precaution being to wear a fishing life jacket. These jackets can help others locate you if you are in trouble.

Other safety tips to remember when fishing, regardless of what kind are the following:

1) Dress properly. This includes a fishing life jacket and slip resistant footwear. An online fishing store will have these items available.

2) Many have fallen over from large waves and are unable to re-cover, especially if they also did not have a life jacket or other floating device.

3) Never go alone. Make sure a family member is aware of where you are going.

4) Keep hooks out of harms way. They have harmed people in the past.

5) Learn the area first. Many were new to the area they would be fishing in. A little time spent learning the area and the wave sets could possibly prevent such tragic accidents.

Although you may be used to just going fishing, seriously consider your safety and the safety of others that you take with you. Your family will be awaiting your return.




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Posted byBertie at 6:22 AM

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