Randwick Mayor Lindsay Shurey expressed her deepest sympathies to the family of a rock fisher who drowned while fishing at Cape Banks, La Perouse Friday morning 10 August.

“It is always devastating to receive news of a death, knowing the deep impact this has on the family and friends of the fisherman as well as the wider community,” said Mayor Shurey. “Rock fishing is an incredibly popular pastime in Randwick City and we want nothing more than for all fishers to return home safely to their families.

“This morning’s incident reminds us that safety should always be the first priority for fishers even if conditions are calm. Life jackets can and have saved lives, and in Randwick City it is compulsory for all rock fishers to wear compliant life jackets.

“Life jackets should be part of every rock fisher’s toolkit along with appropriate footwear such as cleats and light clothing as well as checking the weather, swell and tide prior to fishing.”

This morning’s fatality is the 19^th in Randwick City since 2001, making the Randwick coastline the most dangerous place to rock fish in Australia.

Wearing a compliant lifejacket has been compulsory in the Randwick City Local Government Area since 1 December 2016.