Going rock fishing? Check the tides and waves before you go

24/03/2016

The Bureau of Meteorology has released a new information page today about tide and wave safety for people planning to go rock fishing.

National Manager for Marine Weather Services, Neal Moodie said that ocean conditions can change rapidly.

"Understanding tides is extremely important for rock fishing safety, because wave conditions change as the tide rises," Mr Moodie said.

"Rising tides can make waves break onto the rocks where you're fishing."

The Bureau recommends checking low and high tide times every time you fish. It also suggests using tide times to note when the tide is rising as this is when wave conditions can change rapidly.

"As well as checking the tides, we also suggest people check if large waves are likely, and check for any weather warnings," Mr Moodie said.

"The Bureau's website has online services that allow you to check the weather before you go."

According to Surf Life Saving Australia, rock fishing is considered one of the most dangerous sports in Australia and one of the leading causes of coastal drowning deaths.

Information about how to check tides and wave conditions, including translations in Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Malaysian, is available.