A man has died after being swept into water while rock fishing in Kiama earlier today.
Police have been told just before 2am (Sunday 16 June 2019), a 55-year-old man was rock fishing at Marsden Head, Kiama, with two other men, when he was washed off the rock by a wave.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District and NSW Ambulance were notified and attended.
The Toll Ambulance Rescue Helicopter retrieved the man from the water and conveyed him to Wollongong Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
The man, believed to be a Chinese National, was not wearing a life jacket.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
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.
Further safety information can be found at: www.safefishing.com.au and http://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/
Multilingual rock fishing safety brochures can be downloaded from the website: https://www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/Pages/rock-fishing/Rock-fishing-safety-tips.aspx
