Rock fishing is a popular pastime across New South Wales, with an estimated 1.5 million people participating in rock fishing. However, it also carries a high risk of injury and drowning. As the second highest contributor to coastal drowning fatalities in NSW, rock fishing remains a serious safety concern. According to Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW rock fishing incident data, there have been 269 recorded rock fishing deaths nationally, including 186 in NSW alone, and 70% of rock fishers who lost their lives were not wearing a life jacket.

The 2026/27 SLSNSW Rock Fishing Safety Project is working to improve safety outcomes by raising awareness, encouraging safer behaviours, and increasing life jacket wear among rock fishers, especially in high-risk communities. Supported by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the project is delivered in collaboration with emergency services, government agencies, and community organisations to provide targeted education and practical safety advice where it is needed most.