Lifejacket Law
Anyone rock fishing in a declared location must wear an appropriate lifejacket. This includes people helping you to rock fish and children.
Failing to wear an appropriate lifejacket while rock fishing in a declared area may result in a $100 on the spot fine.
Declared Areas
As a general rule, if you are fishing from rocks exposed to ocean swell in a declared area, then you will need to wear a lifejacket. It is safest to wear a lifejacket whenever and wherever you are rock fishing. Declared areas are:
Lifejacket safety standards
- For an adult, must meet Australian Standard AS 4758 level 50S or greater.
- For a child (under 12 years of age), must be level 100 Australian Standard AS 4758 or greater.
- Must be the correct size for the wearer.
- Must be in good condition.
- If the lifejacket is inflatable it must not rely solely on oral inflation for buoyancy and must be serviced every 12 months. A longer service period might apply if specified by the manufacturer.
Some lifejackets approved under other standards may also meet the requirements.
