With the third session of the 2024/25 South West Zone abalone fishing season confirmed to go ahead this Saturday, and as WA continues to see a rise in coastal drowning fatalities, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) is warning abalone fishers that without proper consideration for their safety, they could easily become part of this tragic tally.
Since 1 December, there have been 11 drowning fatalities at West Australian beaches, bringing the season* toll to 18, and with more than a month of summer left, Lifesavers worry this number will continue to rise.
While there is a forecast medium risk for Saturday morning’s abalone fishing session, SLSWA warns that conditions at various locations will differ, and those with little to no swimming capabilities are at significant risk of drowning or sustaining considerable injury.
During the last one-hour fishing session on 11 January, surf lifesavers performed 38 rescues, most of which were in the Yanchep area. SLSWA Lifesaving Services Manager Cam Robbins said too many fishers were under-prepared and ill-equipped.
“For many fishers, even in the calmest of ocean conditions, the risk can be unacceptably high, so when we observe those who have limited swimming and survival skills, or we see them turn up unprepared in inappropriate clothing or lacking the appropriate equipment, they are throwing caution to the wind with their safety,” said Mr Robbins.
“The message to anyone going into the ocean, whether it’s for abalone fishing or just for a swim on a hot day, is to stop and assess the conditions according to your abilities, and if necessary, make the decision not to go in, or find a different location where the conditions may suit you better. Even better, choose a location where lifesavers are so they can assist should you get into trouble.”
Surf Life Saving WA 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, Iluka, Ocean Reef (restricted access due to marina works), Mindarie, Yanchep Lagoon, and Fisherman’s Hollow.
So far this abalone season, SLSWA services have performed 53 rescues. The final session of the 2024/25 season will occur on Saturday, 15 February 2025, pending conditions.
*Since 1 July 2024.
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.
