A MAN has been rescued after falling between rocks at Nambucca Heads last night.
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About 6.30pm yesterday, a 47-year-old man became trapped between rocks in an inverted position while fishing at the V-Wall break wall at Wellington Dr.
Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire and Rescue, Volunteer Rescue Association and two SES units attended to rescue the man before high tide was due at 11.47pm.
The man was rescued by the Vertical Response Team and ambulance just after 11pm.
He was treated at the scene for mild hypothermia and other minor injuries before being taken to hospital.
Marine Area Commander, Superintendent Mark Hutchings, said it was important for rock anglers to always remain alert.
“I would urge rock anglers to remember that, whatever happens while you are fishing, nothing is worth risking your life,” he said.
“It is important for anyone planning to take part in rock fishing to heed our advice; we are trying to save your life.”
Rock anglers are urged to follow these safety tips:
* Always wear a life jacket
* Make inquiries 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.
Meanwhile, the Australian National Sportfishing Association, with the support of the Department of Sport and Recreation and NSW Sporting Injuries Insurance, has installed ‘angel rings’ or life buoys at known rock fishing black spots along the State’s coast.
The flotation devices are located on rock platforms and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Multilingual rock fishing safety brochures can be downloaded from the website: www.safewaters.nsw.gov.au/fishing.htm
