“Angel rings”, like this one at Salmon Beach, are available at 76 locations across WA to help rescuers, but it is better to stay off the black rocks altogether. Photo: Geoff Vivian.
Recfishwest reminds anglers to take particular care if fishing off the south coast rocks, or better still, avoid them and fish from the beach instead.
Last January a recent immigrant from Ukraine died after losing her footing on black rocks while taking a photograph at the water’s edge at Salmon Beach.
Last year a young fisher narrowly escaped drowning after being washed off the rocks in heavy swell at Quobba, near Carnarvon.
In 2024 a central Kimberley man drowned after slipping off the rocks while fishing at Cape Arid National Park.
Recfishwest Safety Officer Levi De Boni said no fish was worth risking one’s life for.
“We encourage you to fish from the beach instead,” he said.
“If you do choose to fish from the rocks, take all precautions before even deciding to set out for a rock fishing session — if you still choose to go ahead, use all safety gear and precautions once on the stones.
Black rocks at the waters edge are particularly slippery along the south coast, and large waves often break unexpectedly on the shore.
Mr De Boni said wearing a lifejacket increased a fisher’s chances of survival if they end up in the water.
“Even if you don’t have your own, there are loan lifejackets available at outlets across WA through Recfishwest’s Fish and Survive program,” he said.
“Whether you’re fishing on the Gascoyne, Mid-West, South-West or Southern coastlines, we strongly recommend fishing from the beach and, if fishing from the rocks, wearing a lifejacket and following all our rock fishing safety tips.”
