{"id":8021,"date":"2022-02-02T12:44:32","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T01:44:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vrfish.com.au\/?p=8021"},"modified":"2022-02-02T12:51:36","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T01:51:36","slug":"new-lifejacket-laws-for-rock-fishing-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vrfish.com.au\/2022\/02\/02\/new-lifejacket-laws-for-rock-fishing-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"New lifejacket laws to improve rock fishing safety at ten high-risk sites"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In Victoria, we are blessed with beautiful coastlines that make it easy to fish from rock ledges, submerged rocks and rock faces. Whilst rock fishing can guarantee some great fishing there are serious dangers associated with it. Recfishers should take precautions to ensure that rock fishing is enjoyed safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To improve rock fishing safety, The Minister for Fishing and Boating has now approved the implementation of a 2-year mandatory lifejacket trial at ten high-risk rock fishing sites across Victoria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the Fisheries Notice requires rock fishers to wear lifejackets at any of the ten high-risk sites, it is highly recommended that recfishers wear a lifejacket at all times when rock fishing. Lifejackets save lives and will help prevent further rock fishing deaths in Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FISHERIES (ROCK FISHING SAFETY) NOTICE 202<\/strong>2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Fisheries (Rock Fishing Safety) Notice<\/a> will require recreational rock fishers to wear a lifejacket when fishing at any one of ten high-risk rock fishing platforms across the State. The objective of this notice is to improve recreational fisher safety at specified rock fishing platforms across the State. The notice will come into effect on 1 March 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information, including maps outlining the 10 high-risk locations and details of compliant lifejackets, visit the Victorian Fisheries Authority website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key aspects of the Fisheries Notice are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

i.<\/strong> Adults rock fishers will be required to wear a ‘Level 50S’ or greater lifejacket (Type 3 or greater) at high-risk sites.
ii.<\/strong> Children under the age of 12 will be required to wear a Level 100 lifejacket (Type 1 lifejacket) at high-risk sites.
iii.<\/strong> Lifejackets must be your correct size, must be in good working order and must be worn correctly (all zippers, buckles and tapes must be correctly secured).
iv.<\/strong> Lifejackets that solely rely on oral inflation will not be permitted.
v. <\/strong>Spear fishers and divers are exempt from the lifejacket requirements at the high-risk sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ten high-risk locations are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n