Rock Fishing Safety Act

If you are fishing from rocks exposed to ocean swell in a declared area, then you will need to wear a lifejacket. It is safest to wear a lifejacket whenever and wherever you are rock fishing.

Under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, when rock fishing in a declared area you are required by law to wear an appropriate lifejacket, this also includes children and anyone helping you fish.

Rock fishing in a declared area without an appropriate lifejacket may result in a $100 on the spot fine.

Lifejacket safety standards

There are a range of lifejackets suitable for use when rock fishing.

An appropriate lifejacket:

  • For an adult, must meet Australian Standard AS 4758 level 50S or greater.
  • For a child (under 12 years of age), must be level 100 Australian Standard AS 4758 or greater.
  • Must be the correct size for the wearer.
  • If it is inflatable, it cannot rely only on oral inflation (blowing into a mouthpiece) for buoyancy. It must be checked and repaired by a professional every 12 months. Note: a longer service period might apply only if specified by the manufacturer.
  • Must be in good condition.

Some lifejackets approved under other standards may also meet the requirements. Read more on NSW Government Approved types of life jacket.

Declared areas

These maps show the declared areas in NSW where you must wear an approved lifejacket:

Safety tips

The safety tips on this page will help you minimise the risks as you plan your rock fishing outing.

Visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries' fishing safety page for more safety tips.

Safe Fishing hasa range of brochures, videos and translated information on rock fishing, freshwater fishing and fishing underwater.

Stay alert to the weather conditions

Always check the weather, severe weather warnings, coastal waters forecast and tide predictions before you leave home and watch them while you’re out fishing.

DO NOT rock fish when conditions are dangerous.

  • Never turn your back on the ocean
  • Always watch the waves
  • High tides can cover your rock fishing spot with water
  • Rising tides and high tides make waves break onto rock fishing locations
  • You might get trapped or swept off your rock fishing spot by a high tide and or large waves
  • Large seas or swell waves can be hazardous
  • Strong winds can create hazardous waves or push you off wet, slippery rocks
  • If you are fishing in an exposed area during rough seas, find a calmer spot
  • Watch the weather and tidal conditions while you’re out fishing and be alert to any changes

Learn how to swim

Learn how to swim so you have the best chance of surviving if you get washed into the water.

Find a swim school near you at Swim Australia.

Choose the safest location

  • Always check and understand the weather conditions and tides before you leave home. This will help you to choose the safest possible location to go fishing.
  • Ask local people and experienced anglers (rod and line fishers) about the safest areas to fish.
  • Look out for Angel Ring locations. Angel Rings are lifebuoys installed at popular rock fishing spots across NSW. Angel Rings can keep a person afloat and away from the rocks until help arrives.
  • Take your time to observe the weather and tide conditions. Spend at least 30 mins watching the wind and wave action before choosing a safe location.
  • Think about what your fishing spot might be like in a few hours if the weather and tides change.
  • Plan an escape route in case you get washed into the water.

Wear the right gear

Always make sure you are wearing the right safety gear when you go rock fishing. Wearing the right gear can stop you from slipping into the water and can save your life.

  • Always wear a lifejacket.
  • Under the NSW Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, by law you and anyone helping you fish, including children, must wear an appropriate lifejacket in declared high risk areas. Read Rock fishing lifejacket law and declared areas when planning your trip.
  • Wear an appropriate lifejacket that is best for you. Visit Approved types of lifejacket for more information.
  • Always wear appropriate footwear with non-slip soles or cleats. Rock plates or cleats are essential on wet, weedy rocks.
  • Always wear lightweight clothing. Together with your lifejacket, lightweight clothing will weigh you down less

Never fish alone

No place is perfectly safe for rock fishing.

  • Only Fish with other people and in places where experienced anglers go to fish.
  • Always tell someone who is not going fishing with you where you plan to go.

What to do if someone is washed into the ocean

DO NOT jump into the water after anyone.

  • Look for an Angel Ring, a lifebuoy or something else that floats and throwit to the person in the water to hold onto.
  • Dial 000 (Triple zero) on your mobile phone or go and get help.