Royal Life Saving Society WA is warning the fishing community to be aware of the dangers posed by large swells and unpredictable oceans when planning Easter fishing trips.
As the Easter long weekend draws closer with many of us gearing up for road trips down south we're being reminded to take extra care if we're to throw a line out over the break.
At the popular fishing spots of Albany, Margaret River, Geraldton and Gnarloo swells will reach up to 3 metres over the next week, which can create a very hazardous situation for those taking part in rock fishing.
Over the past 10 years 67 people have lost their lives in fishing related drownings across WA, with 20 of these related specifically to rock fishing, while another six have died while rock fishing at the popular, but dangerous Salmon Holes in Albany in recent years.
Royal Life Saving Society WA’s Senior Manager Health Promotion and Research, Lauren Nimmo said the statistics spoke for themselves.
“On average 7 people lose their lives in fishing related drownings each year in WA," she said.
"Almost all of these occurred in poor weather conditions and large, unpredictable swells, causing people to get swept off rocks or boats to capsize.
"We’d encourage West Australians to recognise that fishing is a dangerous sport and they must take all the necessary safety precautions.”
Royal Life Saving recommends that all those involved in fishing choose the safest possible location to do so, take time to observe the conditions before getting near the water, always fish with others, always wear a lifejacket and carry a float and line so you are prepared to assist anyone who is washed into the water.
Ms Nimmo warned conditions at the weekend could be potentially deadly and that no fish was worth dying for.
"...we would encourage people to postpone their fishing plans if possible, and at the very least choose the safest possible location.”
Stolen Ford Mustang linked to southern suburbs incidents
Baldivis: Truck fire forces closure of Kwinana Freeway
Concerns for missing Baldivis girl
MARC leisure pool, pirate playground to close for several weeks due to maintenance works
Petition launched to change new Eastern Foreshore playground due to safety concerns
Parts of Pinjarra, Fairbridge without power
Bouvard scrub fire deemed suspicious
Peel Thunder crush Perth in WAFLW season opener
Baldivis man charged after AFP seize haul of cigarettes, vapes, $2.6M cash