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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Is Rock Fishing Dangerous?

By Robert Cliford


Generally speaking, fishing is not considered a dangerous sport. It's a common sport or leisure activity, be it angler fishing or deep sea. As with any sport or leisure activity, there are risks involved with fishing.

In recent years, rock fishing has come under scrutiny because of the drownings associated with it. Although this type of fishing is popular in New Zealand as well, Australia has had the top number of related deaths. Just so you know, atleast 8 of the 80 deaths that occured on the coast of Australia in 2009 were due to 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. Again in 2011, 10% of coastal drownings in Australia were from rock fishing. Once again in 2011, 10% of drownings were directly from rock fishing. These numbers are reported from the Australian Coastal Report. Nothing guarantees safety, although a discovery was noted. Dr. Matthews, who does life-saving and injury prevention research in Victoria, states that "In all cases they have not been wearing a life jacket."

Campaigns have increased because of the deaths, with the number one precaution being to wear a fishing life jackets. It will allow others to see you and possibly get help before it's too late.

Other tips to remember include:

1) Wear proper clothes. This includes a fishing life jacket and slip resistant footwear. Fishing wear can be found at an online fishing store.

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) Travel in pairs. Make sure someone who did not accompany you knows your whereabouts.

4) Make sure your hooks only end up in fish They have harmed people in the past.

5) Learn the area first. Many that drowned were newcomers. A little time spent learning the area and the wave sets could possibly prevent such tragic accidents.

You've heard it. No one who drowned so far is on record as having worn a life jacket;It's time rock fishermen start to wear them. Your family will be awaiting your return.




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