Lifesavers on edge ahead of final abalone session

With the fourth and final session of this year’s West Coast Zone abalone fishing season confirmed to go ahead this Saturday, surf lifesavers are bracing for what they expect to be another busy hour of fishing to wrap up the season.

Over the past three sessions, lifesavers have performed 108 rescues, already more than last season’s total of 101.

“This equates to a potential 36 lives saved per one-hour of fishing,” said Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Services Manager Cam Robbins.

“To be honest, it’s amazing we haven’t seen any loss of life this season so far. Without a doubt, this is thanks to the service of our volunteer lifesavers patrolling these zones”.

While there is a forecast medium risk for Saturday’s session, it does not mean that conditions at each location will be the same as the previous medium-rated sessions, and those with little to no swimming capabilities are at significant risk of drowning or sustaining considerable injury.

“Unfortunately, if the past three sessions are anything to go by, we are going to continue to see people making decisions that put themselves at risk”, said Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Services Manager Cam Robbins.

Surf Life Saving’s message is simple. Stop, look, and stay alive.

“You need to stop and assess the risk and condition at that location on that day”, said Mr Robbins.

“Just because you fished at Yanchep last time doesn’t mean the conditions will suit your abilities this week”, he said.

“Help us keep you safe by making responsible decisions about your safety and turning up with the correct gear”.

During the last one-hour fishing session on 1 February, surf lifesavers performed 55 rescues, again the bulk of these within the Yanchep zone.

So far this abalone season, lifesavers have performed 108 rescues and 2,737 preventative actions and administered 63 first aid treatments.

Surf Life Saving WA will deliver safety services including Jet Ski, inflatable rescue boat and beach-based patrols at the following locations within the West Coast Fishing Zone: Halls Head, Point Peron, Penguin Island, Marmion Angling & Aquatic Club, Hamersley Pool, Mettams, Bennion Beach, Illuka, Ocean Reef (restricted access due to marina works), Mindarie, Yanchep Lagoon, and Fisherman’s Hollow.

Click here for further information on locations patrolled by surf lifesavers and tips to keep you safe!

In November 2022, Surf Life Saving WA received funding for a period of three (3) years from the West Australian Government and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Recreational Fishing Fund towards Abalone Patrols.