NZ Drowning Statistics →

As at 30 June 2009 - 51

Same time last year - 56

Total for 2008 - 97

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Fishing

'Don't put your life on the line'

Planning on going fishing soon? New Zealand has a long and fantastic coastline, and offers so many opportunities for boat, rock and beach fishing that more and more New Zealander’s are choosing to spend their recreational time chasing the big one.

Each fishing trip differs in location and conditions, presenting various hazards on each occasion. Anyone can find themselves in difficulty or worse when on or around the water but there are some simple things you can do to make your fishing trip as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Before you go

Learn to swim and survive – if you can’t swim you have no business being near the water;
Check the marine weather forecast including the swell, tide and wind strength and direction;
Communicate – ask questions about the area you will be fishing, listen to advice, read and obey all warning signs – they are there for your protection;
Leave information – tell someone responsible where you are going and when you are due to return.

What to take

Another person – NEVER fish alone;
PFD’s – one correctly fitting life jacket for each person;
Communication Devices – mobile phone, VHF radio, flares, torch. If something unplanned occurs and you get into difficulty you will need to be able to communicate your situation or at least draw attention to our position.

Safe Fishing Booklet (3MB)

To enlarge and view the booklet as a PDF click on the link above or visit our Resources page to order a hardcopy.

Land Based Fishing

Under no circumstances turn your back on the sea – always keep an eye on the waves.
Assess the sea conditions. Spend at least 10 minutes watching the wave action before committing to a position.
Don’t fish from wet rocks where waves and spray are obviously sweeping them.

Rock Fishing Poster (2.3MB)

To enlarge and view the poster as a PDF click on the link above or visit our Resources page to order a hardcopy.

Boat Fishing

All of the above mentioned safety considerations also apply to boaties. In addition it is important that you understand it is the Skipper who is responsible for the boat and everyone in it. It’s up to them to ensure the boat is properly equipped, sea worthy and the crew know what to do in an emergency.

For more information on Safe Boating visit the boating section of this website or go to www.boatsafe.org.nz

Boat Fishing Poster (166K)

To enlarge and view the poster as a PDF click on the link above or visit our Resources page to order a hardcopy.

Fishing Coast to Coast

The relationship between Water Safety New Zealand and Fishing Coast to Coast has gone from strength to strength over the last 3 years. In each issue of Fishing Coast to Coast Editor, Mike Rendle, runs a column on water safety that is written from a practical point of view, most times it will incorporate real life situations and events that his team have experienced over their 40 years on the water. We hope these stories and important safety information will help you stay safe while fishing.

Click on the links below to read the stories.

Safety Equipment (280K)

Hints & Tips (282K)

Navigation Lights (277K)

Navigating at Night (278K)

Kids Safety (for Adults) (279K)

River Safety (279K)

Lifejackets Revisited (34K)

Safety on the Beach (33K)

Near Misses & Other Shark Stories (33K)

Got That Sinking Feeling (34K)

Safety - Anchorage (34K)

Adobe Reader is required to view PDF's, click on the logo to download you free copy.

Resources are available from Water Safety New Zealand Inc

	Enquiries can be made to wsnz@watersafety.org.nz
	© All images, copy and trademarks are owned by Water Safety New Zealand and require approval for use.