New Signs Set To Shock Local Fishermen

By Dan Hutton on May 6, 2016 in

Rock fishing is a popular yet undeniably dangerous pastime, prevalent along the coastline of a number of suburbs in Sydney’s east. In the past decade alone, 17 people have been killed whilst fishing from these rocky outcrops, most notably at La Perouse and Malabar.

In response to the increasing number of injuries and fatalities, Randwick Council has been installing bright red ‘shock’ signs at a number of identified black spots. The signs will feature a prominent skull and cross bones symbol, along with a death ‘scoreboard’ to warn fishing groups of the potential dangers of continuing to fish in these areas.

Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza believes the “shock” signs will deter rock fishers, but admits they were a last resort.

“Despite the ongoing warnings and education campaigns, people continue to die from rock fishing,” Cr D’Souza said.

“This is a dangerous pastime and it is enormously sad to think of the pain and anguish that the families of the 17 men who died while rock fishing in our area must be going through, even to this day.”

Former Randwick Mayor Tony Bowen initiated the plan, conducting a survey of local rock fishers in 2013. The survey found that 42% of respondents were unaware that there had been fatalities where they were fishing, and when shown a sample of the proposed signs, 62% admitted it would change their behaviour.

“Education is the key,” Cr D’Souza said. “Our research shows that once people are aware of the dangers, they are likely to modify their behaviour by fishing a different ledge, changing their approach, wearing a life jacket, being more cautious or perhaps not fishing that day.”

Malcolm Poole, NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance Safety Officer, said the decision to install the signs was necessary to ensure the safety of rock fishers.

“Hopefully anglers will take note of these new signs and modify their behavior, putting their safety first when fishing,” Mr Poole said. “Rock fishers should be aware that if the coastal rock platforms look unsafe, the swell sloppy, unpredictable and dangerous looking, then there are safer fishing locations in and around La Perouse, Bare Island and Botany Bay.”

Marion Stirrat, a longtime Maroubra resident and fishing enthusiast, said the dangers of rock fishing were evident to anybody familiar with the sport.

“More signs are definitely needed in the areas where rock fishers seem to go, but they need to be in multiple languages to account for the presence of tourists in the local fishing community,” Mrs Stirrat said.

It is hoped the introduction of the ‘shock’ signs will act as a reminder of the very real tragedies that have occurred along our coastline, and warn of the risks involved in this increasingly popular hobby.