Risky behaviours called out at abalone fishing

With 15 rescues performed by lifesaving services at the opening session of the 2024/25 abalone fishing season on 14 December 2024, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) is calling out risky behaviours that put fishers in danger.

Surf Life Saving WA Lifesaving Services Manager Cam Robbins said that of those rescues performed, multiple could have ended tragically had lifesaving services not been in the vicinity and able to render immediate assistance. This included two fishers pulled from the water unconscious and at least one requiring hospitalisation.

Mr Robbins said they had also witnessed some extremely risky behaviours, including fishers holding each other underwater to help secure their abalone or adults venturing out onto the reef with small children who would likely have little to no swimming or survival skills.

“This kind of behaviour is incredibly irresponsible,” said Mr Robbins. “It places all individuals concerned at unnecessary risk. It doesn’t take much to wash someone off their feet and put them in danger of drowning.”

Ocean conditions for this Saturday’s 11 January session have been assessed as a medium risk; however, the message “just because you can go out doesn’t mean you should” remains.

“Fishers still needed to assess their individual abilities against the conditions at their chosen location before proceeding”, said Mr Robbins. “And if there is any doubt, don’t go out.”

Surf Life Saving WA, via their affiliated clubs, will continue to deliver a range of 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.

The remaining 2024/25 fishing sessions will occur for one hour between 7:00 am and 8:00 am on the following Saturdays:

• 11 January 2025
• 01 February 2025
• 15 February 2025

Last season, Surf Life Saving WA services performed:

• 101 rescues
• 114 first aids
• 2,717 preventative actions

Further abalone fishing location, safety information, and resources, including areas where Surf Life Saving WA services will be patrolling, can be found at www.mybeach.com.au/abalone

*Statistics are subject to change, pending the outcome of ongoing coronial investigations.

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.