It's a well-established fact that wearing a life jacket can save your life. Learn more about lifejackets, how to select the right one, how to put them on and how to properly maintain lifejackets. Also, learn about the lifejacket rules and where they apply in NSW.

Make the Right Choice.
Wear a Lifejacket.

Watch this video from NSW Maritime - Whether boating or rock fishing, always wear a Life Jacket.

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Whether your an adult or a child, a lifejacket is a vital piece of safety equipment that could save your life.

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How to choose the right lifejacket for rock fishing

Not wearing a lifejacket can have serious consequences. Sadly, many people who drown in NSW while rock fishing were not wearing a lifejacket or did not know how to inflate it. It is strongly recommended that you always wear one.
Check out this video from the NSW Department of Primary Industries to learn more.

Lifejacket safety standards "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.
  • Must be in good condition.
  • If the lifejacket is inflatable it must not rely solely on oral inflation for buoyancy and must be serviced every 12 months. A longer service period might apply if specified by the manufacture

It's not enough to just put on any lifejacket... Remember...

- If it's too big, the life jacket will ride up around your face.
- If it's too small, it will not be able to keep your body afloat.
- Life jackets designed for adults will not work for children!

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How to Properly Fit a Life Jacket?

Check out this video from California State Parks on how to make sure your lifejacket fits.

How to self-service your inflatable lifejacket?

It is a legal requirement in NSW that inflatable lifejackets are serviced once a year, or in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Follow these five simple steps from Transport for NSW on how to self-service your inflatable lifejacket.

Lifejacket Law:

Anyone rock fishing in a declared location must wear an appropriate lifejacket. This includes people helping you to rock fish and children. As a general rule, 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.

Declared areas are: Ballina Shire LGA, Central Coast LGA, City of Lake Macquarie LGA, Northern Beaches LGA, Port Stephens LGA, Randwick City LGA, Richmond Valley LGA & Sutherland Shire LGA.

What else would you like to learn about today?

Avoiding dangerous situations

Many people enjoy rock fishing, but it can be very dangerous. Be safe while rock fishing and avoid putting yourself in risky and dangerous situations.

Lifejacket Basics

Learn more about lifejackets, how to select the right one, how to put them on and how to properly maintain lifejackets. Also, learn about the lifejacket rules and where they apply in NSW.

Rock Fishing Safety Tips

Knowing how to stay safe and what to look out for whilst rock fishing can help you to stay safe and ensure an enjoyable rock fishing experience with your friends and family.

Things to plan before going rock fishing

Rock fishing is fun but it's important to prepare before you leave home. Learn more about how you can ensure you are ready for a safe and fun rock fishing experience.

What should I wear when I go rock fishing?

It is important to have the correct fishing safety gear & equipment to ensure you are fishing safely.

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