Fishing survey aimed at saving lives

An online survey conducted by The Royal Life Saving Society of NSW is aimed directly at fishos - rock fishos in particular. 

With statistics revealing 74 people died while rock fishing in NSW between 1992 and 2000 - 14 alone in 2008/09 - the Society's survey aims to aid in the prevention of further rock fishing related drownings in NSW and around Australia.

The main objective of the online fishing survey is to gain further information about:

• Participation rates in recreational fishing
• Past injuries sustained by rock fishers whilst fishing and incidents that compromised a rock fisher's safety
• Precautionary measures taken by fishers to ensure personal safety whilst fishing

The Royal Life Saving Society says its study will assist all organisations within the NSW Water Safety Advisory Council in developing health promotion and training programs, public education, and aquatic risk management services to prevent recreational fishing injury and fatality.

A spokeswoman for The Royal Life Saving Society told Fisho the results from the survey will be used for the the prevention of drowning and near-drowning and the continual improvement of water safety initiatives.

This survey can only be completed by persons over the age of 18 and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. All information obtained is completely confidential. To complete the survey go to www.royalnsw.com.au.

For more information please contact Royal Life Saving NSW on (02) 9634 3700.