Inquiries are continuing after the death of a man at Yamba yesterday, NSW Police say.
Just after 7.45pm yesterday, emergency services were called to a breakwall at Turners Beach, Yamba, following reports a man was struggling in the water.
Police have been told the 45-year-old man was fishing alone at the time and was not wearing a life jacket.
Three men nearby attempted to assist him before officers from Coffs/Clarence Local Area Command arrived and pulled the man onto the rocks.
CPR commenced; however, the man died at the scene. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Meanwhile, all rock anglers are urged 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.
To check the weather and conditions before rock fishing, visit:
www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/check-rock-fishing.shtml
Further safety information can be found at: www.safefishing.com.au and www.beachsafe.org.au.
Multilingual rock fishing safety brochures can be downloaded from the website: www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au/fishing.htm
