- When visiting popular rock
fishing spot Salmon Holes, people will be required to wear Type 1 lifejackets
- The trial is designed to see if the wearing of lifejackets will reduce rock fishing fatalities
The
State Government’s compulsory lifejacket trial at Salmon Holes, in the
Torndirrup National Park near Albany, will commence on January 1, 2019 to
evaluate if the wearing of lifejackets is effective in reducing rock fishing
fatalities.
The
trial makes it compulsory for anyone visiting the rock fishing area at Salmon
Holes, even if they are not fishing, to wear a Type 1 lifejacket. The trial
will cover three salmon seasons and is expected to run until June 30, 2021.
A
community education program will be rolled out over January to inform the
community about the trial, what a Type 1 lifejacket is, where they can be hired
or purchased and the penalties for not complying.
During
this period, while fishers and visitors are learning about the new rules, only
cautions will be issued for not wearing a lifejacket.
From
February 1, 2019, anyone not wearing a Type 1 lifejacket in the trial area can
attract a fine of $200 or more.
Officers
from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions will be monitoring and
enforcing visitor compliance.
The
State Government continues to work closely with the Lifejacket Trial Reference
Group which includes representatives from Recfishwest; the Department of Fire
and Emergency Services; Department of Primary Industries and Regional
Development; Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; and the
City of Albany on the implementation of the trial.
Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:
“With an
expected increase in visitors to the Salmon Holes area over the summer
holidays, it is the ideal time to commence the trial and raise awareness of the
new safety rules and how wearing a lifejacket can ultimately save lives.
“Salmon
Holes was chosen for the trial as it is a known ‘black spot’, with 13 people
known to have lost their lives after being swept off rocks into rough seas
since 1983.
“I thank
the trial reference group for their work in getting the trial up and running,
and I encourage the local community and all visitors to support the trial and
wear a lifejacket when visiting this spectacular part of our coast.”
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen
Dawson:
“In WA,
we have a wild and beautiful natural coastline enjoyed all year around by
locals and tourists.
“Salmon
Holes, part of the Torndirrup National Park, is popular for rock fishing and
notoriously dangerous.
“Introducing
the lifejacket trial will help to ensure the safety of visitors while they
enjoy recreational activities within the national park.”
Comments attributed to Albany MLA Peter Watson:
“This is
a welcome trial that has been driven by those first responders who put their
own lives at risk every time a search and rescue attempt is undertaken.
“I’m
sure that it will also help to raise awareness of the dangers when fishing from
the rocks on sections of our coastline.”
Minister's office - 6552 6100