Study the weather report. Only venture out on the rocks when there are light winds, no storms imminent and the sea swell is under 2 meters (6 feet).
Tell somebody you trust, where you are going and what time you will be back. If you change fishing spots, immediately contact them with the new information.
Never go alone. Only go with people that are all experienced and trustworthy. Only one person can be the Leader, when team safety is concerned. All must be able to swim and drive a vehicle. No alcohol or drugs before, during and after a fishing session.
Equipment
Always take mobile phones and an EPERB (Electronic Positioning Emergency Beacon).
Always wear a buoyancy vest and hiking boots. Carry a separate pair of rock shoes (with metal cleats). A brimmed hat and high UV Rated Sun Glasses.
Always pack a small first aid kit (essential items are band-aids, bandages and butterfly sutures).
Take at least one litre of drinking water per person.
Pack only what you need (no what if's) and put everything in a good quality, waterproof backpack (you will need both arms free).
On the Rocks
From a safe vantage spot, sit down and study the rock platform and surrounding water for approximately 20 minutes. Look to see if waves are washing over the platform, how high is the water and from which direction/s. Waves usually come in sets of 4 to 5 larger ones, so in the 20 minutes, time how long between wave "sets" and are these waves getting bigger. If the waves are getting bigger and/or the time between wave "sets" is getting shorter, do not venture out on the rocks, particularly if the tide is rising.
If you do fish from your chosen platform, only go down to the water with your safety gear on, your fishing rod and reel, light clothing and your hat. Do not wear anything that will drag you down if you end up in the water.
Never turn your back on the sea. If a large wave does come over your rock platform, take a firm stance, face it head on and be prepared to drop whatever is in your hands to brace yourself.
If you are washed into the water, swim away from the rock platform and wait for your team to ring for help. The buoyancy vest will keep you afloat and never attempt to try swimming back to the rock platform.
After a Session
As the Leader, always have a debrief with the rest of the team (usually on the way home in the car). Talk through any incidents or close calls. What were the signs? What would you do differently next time? It's not all safety, you went out for a few hours of fun. Why did that big one get away? How come you caught all the fish?
Ring up that "someone you trust" and let them know you are on your way home.
