Following the drowning of a Rock-fisher in the Shoalhaven today police are urging all rock anglers to follow these safety tips when they venture out:
* Always wear a life jacket
* Make enquiries and check weather and conditions before you leave home
* Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle
* Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water.
* Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other
* Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you’ll be back
* Carry a mobile phone
* Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
* Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea
* If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately
* If in doubt, don’t go out
* In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Emergency services were called to Little Beecroft Head, near Currarong, just after 9.30am today (Sunday 7 January 2018), following reports three men were in the water.
Police have been told a group of men were walking to a rock fishing spot when one of the men slipped and fell into the water. It is not believed he was wearing a floatation vest.
Two men grabbed a nearby Angel Life Ring and jumped in to assist the unconscious man.
The three men were rescued by Crookhaven - Marine Rescue Shoalhaven assisted by the NSW Police Marine Area Command and the Westpac Life Saver Helicopter.
Despite CPR attempts, the 25-year-old man could not be revived.
The two other men were taken to Shoalhaven Hospital in a stable condition, suffering from exposure.
Officers from Shoalhaven Local Area Command are continuing their inquiries, including whether the man could have suffered a medical episode.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au/ Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Police remind people they should not report crime information via our social media pages.
