Fish and Survive is powered by Recfishwest, WA's peak body for recreational fishing.

Recfishwest represents the interests of 750,000 recreational fishers in Western Australia. We are a not-for-profit, non-government, community-based organisation that strives to ensure high-quality recreational fishing experiences are maintained and enjoyed, as an integral part of the WA lifestyle. To learn about Recfishwest, click here

History of Fishing Safety

There is a long history in WA and Australia where fishers have lost their lives fishing, with rock fishing deaths contributing to the majority of these. Since 2002, more than 39 people have lost their lives while rock fishing.

Recfishwest leads WA's State-wide Fishing Safety Strategy, after a 2013 commitment from the Western Australian State Government to fund an initiative to increase education and awareness of rock fishing safety while supporting the installation of fishing safety equipment at high-risk fishing locations across WA.

Recfishwest acknowledges the support and input from local land managers, government agencies, local communities and dedicated volunteers and champions who contribute a huge amount of time and resources to making fishers safe in WA.

Lifejackets

Lifejackets are an essential piece of safety equipment when venturing out onto the water. Whether you are boating, kayaking or rock fishing, a lifejacket may save your life and should be part of everyone's fishing kit.

Gone are the days of stuffing the old yellow foam jackets under the seat or taking up room on the boat. whether you go in the drink while fishing from rocks or roll your kayak in fast flowing water - the Crewsaver Lifejackets we promote are designed to be worn in case an emergency is upon you quicker than expected!

Recfishwest, along with community partners and the Nathan Drew Memorial Trust first developed the Free Lifejacket Loan Scheme – where members of the public could drop in to selected local stores and hire a free life jacket before going rock fishing. This initiative has grown over the years and there are now 23 stores from Quobba to Esperance keeping fishers in their community safe! To find your nearest Free Life Jacket Store - Click here

Angel Rings

Angel Rings (or Life Buoys) are an essential piece of safety equipment installed at high risk rock fishing locations on the WA coast. The State-Wide Angel Ring program aims to ensure heavily populated rock fishing locations are equipped with the correct safety equipment in case of a rock fishing incident. To date there are 78 Angel Rings installed across WA at high risk fishing locations.

Angel Rings can be also used for swimmers, kayakers or anyone who has fallen into the water and aids in prolonging the time a person can float in the water before emergency services arrive. Click the map above to see where the Angel Rings are installed.

Rock Anchor Points

Rock Anchor Points were one of the first measures used by rock fishers and authorities to try and keep fishers safe. Under the Rock Fishing Safety Strategy, rock anchor points have been installed on the South Coast in high risk rock fishing locations in Albany and Esperance. Tying the correct knot and using suitable rope is critical in properly utilising rock anchor points.