How are coastal rocks in Australia dangerous?
Rocky coasts include cliffs, headlands, rock platforms and rocky outcrops.
- Between 1 December 2022 and 28 February 2023, 4 people died from drowning in rocky locations
- In 2021/22, 22 people died from drowning at rocks and rocky coasts
- Some of the most hazardous activities prior to drowning which involve rocky coasts include rock fishing, jumping from rocks (also known as tombstoning), and taking selfies at popular Instagrammable sites, such as the Figure 8 Pools and Wedding Cake Rock in the Royal National Park
- Lifejackets have been shown to increase your chances of survival by 50%
- If rock fishing, some locations in New South Wales legally require you to wear a lifejacket while rock fishing.
What are the risks and hazards?
Such locations can be beautiful and make great selfies, however they are not without risks.
Some of the hazards that can increase your risk of drowning or aquatic injury include:
- Unpredictable waves
- Being exposed to wave activity
- The enhancing turbulence of waves
- Slippery surfaces
- Crumbling/unstable edges
- Being located in remote or hard to reach locations far from assistance, including medical assistance.
How do I stay safe?
Here are some suggestions to help keep you safe.
- If rock fishing, ensure you wear a lifejacket and non-slip shoes
- Pay attention to tide times and wave conditions
- Avoid visiting rocky locations when dangerous surf warnings are in place
- Don’t jump from rocks into water.
For translated resources on water safety please visit: Multicultural Communities | Royal Life Saving Society - Australia