The post-Christmas-New Year period can see people heading out in search of that prized catch, but Wollongong City Council is urging rock fishers not to leave their life jacket at home.
For many, rock fishing is a perfect festive season pastime, but it's also one of Australia's most dangerous activities, claiming around 13 lives each year, most often when people were not wearing life jackets.
The statistics includes six lives lost as Port Kembla since 2021. It's seen Wollongong declared a high-risk rock fishing area under the Rock Fishing Safety Act 2016, making life jackets mandatory for all participants at high-risk locations.
Locations deemed high-risk include naturally occurring rock platforms or rock formations exposed to ocean swell. Patrolling NSW Police can issue $100 on the spot fines for non-compliance.
With large swells predicted this coming weekend, Council's Operations Manager of Beach Services Murray Copas urged all fishers to wear approved life jackets and take all safety precautions when heading out to enjoy the rest of summer.
"People who head out without life jackets are risking a lot more than a fine," Mr Copas said.
"No matter how experienced or knowledgeable you may be, the ocean can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable and life jackets help save lives. People fishing without one are putting their own lives at risk, and potentially those of lifeguard and emergency services personnel called on to respond when someone is swept off the rocks.
"We ask people to check coastal conditions and warnings before venturing out, take note of signage and please wear approved life jackets. If you have any doubts about the safety of a location, do not go there."
Other safety precautions people should take include regularly checking weather and tide conditions, wear appropriate clothing and footwear with non-slip soles, never fish alone and always carry a mobile phone, EPIRB or two-way radio.
If someone is swept into the water, do not jump in after them. If there is a lifebuoy, angel ring or flotation device nearby, throw it to the person to help them keep afloat and call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
