Shock signage will be installed along the eastern Sydney coastline as Randwick City Council ramps up its approach to educating Sydney’s rock fishers.

The move follows a coronial inquiry into rock fishing deaths in NSW which recommended trialling shock signage at rock blackspots in an attempt to save lives. Seven rock fishermen have died in the Randwick City area from Clovelly to La Perouse over the past five years making this stretch of coastline the most dangerous in the country.

The shock signage is proposed to include a changeable ‘death scoreboard’ bringing home the dangers of the sport to rock fishers as they walk to their fishing spot.

Randwick Mayor Ted Seng said he hopes the strong approach will increase the awareness of the dangers associated with rock fishing and the importance of using safety equipment such as life jackets.

“It’s terrible that seven people have died along our coastline during the past five years, and none of them were wearing lifejackets. They were all someone’s father, brother or son.

“We’ve been actively working to increase awareness of the risks that come with rock fishing for many years, but it’s time we tried a stronger, more powerful message to really get the point across.

“Some say our coastline is the most treacherous stretch of land for rock fishing in Australia and in bad weather conditions, it really can be a death trap. I believe we are the first council to try this approach, but it is vitally important to us to get the message out that rock fishing is dangerous,” Mayor Seng said.

The shock signage concept was tested in a recent survey of rock fishers which found 75% thought it would reduce rock fishing accidents and 70% said it would influence their behaviour.

The signs will be implemented following consultation with NSW Police, Surf Life Saving, fishing associations, tackle shops and NSW Fisheries. The signs will be developed in a number of languages.     

Randwick City Council reminds rock fishers of these important tips, no matter what the weather:

• Wear a life jacket.
• Never fish by yourself.
• Inform others of your plans.
• Wear light clothing.
• Carry safety gear.
• Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas.
• Plan an escape route in case you are washed in.
• Stay alert.
• Ask for advice from locals who know the area.
• Do not jump in if someone is washed into the water.

A copy of the Rock Fishing Survey is available here.