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.

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.

• Approved types of lifejackets

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

• Ballina Shire high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 4.51MB)
• Central Coast high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 9.29MB)
• Lake Macquarie high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 332.73KB)
• Northern Beaches high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 1017.89KB)
• Port Stephens high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 671.74KB)
• Randwick high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 1.39MB)
• Richmond Valley high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 125.94KB)
• Sutherland Shire high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 1.38MB)
• Wollongong high risk rock fishing declared areas map (PDF 3.46 MB)