Activities on our waterways including fishing, boating and jet skiing are favourite pastimes for many Central Coast residents and visitors, however, it's important to remember that they can also be extremely dangerous, and steps need to be taken to stay safe.
The Central Coast is a water lover's paradise, offering stunning lakes, estuaries, beaches and unique natural wonders. From Lake Macquarie and Tuggerah Lakes to Brisbane Water and the Hawkesbury River, our waterways are a popular destination for fishing, boating and jet skiing. To ensure these activities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone, it's crucial to follow essential safety guidelines.
Year round, we encourage everyone to keep these five safety tips in mind:
- Always take some sort of flotation device
- Never swim alone
- If you’re going rock fishing, be sure to plan ahead - wear appropriate safety equipment, let others know where you are going and carry a phone
- Avoid swimming for at least one day after heavy rain to decrease exposure to stormwater pollution
- When out on the water, be sure to check your vessel, check the weather, wear appropriate safety equipment, prepare children, let others know where you’re going and know what to do in an emergency.
For more detailed information and safety tips, please visit NSW Government waterways safety and rules.
For information about beach safety, visit our dedicated web page.
Boating safety tips
Plan your trip
Let someone know your plans, including your departure time and expected return.
Check the Weather
Stay informed about weather conditions and avoid going out in adverse weather.
Wear a life jacket
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Know the rules
Familiarise yourself with boating regulations, including speed limits, alcohol limits and navigation rules.
Maintain your vessel
Regularly inspect and maintain your boat to ensure it's in good working order.
Use the Marine Rescue NSW App
This app provides essential safety features, including GPS tracking and emergency assistance.
Jet skiing safety tips
Obey the rules
Adhere to all boating regulations, including speed limits and restricted areas.
Wear a life jacket
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket.
Ride responsibly
Avoid reckless behaviour, such as excessive speed and stunts.
Be aware of others
Keep a safe distance from other boats, swimmers, and wildlife.
Rock fishing safety tips
Wear a life jacket
No matter your experience level, it is law to always wear an appropriate life jacket when rock fishing. Life jackets significantly increase your chance of survival if you are washed into the water.
An on the spot fine of $100 applies to those fishing without an approved lifejacket from 1 July 2020. Anyone who is helping you rock fish, as well as children in your care, must also wear an appropriate lifejacket. To learn more about finding the right lifejacket while rock fishing, visit the NSW Government Water Safety website or watch the ‘How to choose the right lifejacket for rock fishing’ video.
For more information, including a map of high-risk rock fishing locations on the Central Coast, visit the NSW Government Water Safety website.
Never fish alone
Fish in a group of at least three people and within sight of each other. If someone is washed in, one person can stay and help while the other alerts emergency services (call 000). Mobile phone users can also dial 112 to access emergency services.
Inform others of your plans
Always let friends or family know where you are going and when you will be back.
Wear light clothing and appropriate footwear
Light clothing such as shorts, and a spray jacket will let you swim easily if you are washed in. Jumpers may be heavy and difficult to take off. Use the appropriate shoes for the conditions - cleats, sandals and sandshoes with non-slip soles suit different surfaces.
Carry safety gear
Wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest. Also bring something buoyant that can be easily thrown and held onto, to help you stay afloat. Carry ropes, a float and torches.
Fish only in places you know are safe and check conditions
Make sure you are aware of local weather, swell and tidal conditions before going fishing. Listen to weather forecasts or call the weather information line on 1900 937 107. Conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time.
You can check swell forecasts via Willy Weather, SeaBreeze or Bureau of Meteorology. You can also Subscribe to Roads and Maritime Authority weather email alerts.
Observe first, fish later
Spend some time (at least 30 minutes) watching your intended spot before fishing to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle. Wave conditions can get worse as the tide changes - you should know whether the tides are high or low and coming in or going out.
Plan an escape route in case you are washed in
If you are washed in, stay calm, swim away from the rocks and look for a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat and wait for help to arrive.
Stay alert
Don't ever turn your back on the sea - if the waves, weather or swell threaten your fishing spot then leave immediately.
Ask for advice from locals who know the area
Locals will be able to tell you when an area is dangerous.
Do not jump in if someone is washed into the water
Use your rope or something that floats to rescue the person. If there's an Angel Ring nearby know how to use it. Dial 000 on your mobile phone to get help.
For regular updates and alerts on fishing in New South Wales, subscribe to Recreational Fishing Alliance safety email alerts and newsletters. Visit the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW website or Safe Fishing website for detailed rock fishing safety information.