Police have described the drowning death of a fisherman off Port Kembla yesterday as tragic but "completely avoidable".
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The 44-year-old man from Hebersham was fishing with his 13-year-old son and another family member at Honeycomb Rocks when he was washed off about 7am yesterday.
Lake Illawarra Police Inspector Andrew Koutsoufis described the incident as tragic but "a completely avoidable situation".
"This tragic incident highlights the dangers of rock fishing," he said.
"If people are going to go rock fishing, learn to swim and wear a lifejacket."
Insp Koutsoufis said ocean conditions yesterday were extremely dangerous, putting off even the most experienced rock fishers.
"There were experienced rock fisherman at the scene considering the conditions at the time, they described the conditions as suicidal," he said.
Police rescue, water police, ambulance paramedics and surf lifesavers were called to the rocks about 7am following reports a rock fisherman had been washed into the ocean.
Water police found the man 100 metres off the rocks and brought him back to Port Kembla Harbour where they began CPR.
"Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful," Insp Koutsoufis said.
Surf Life Saving Illawarra president Bill Seay is a life member of the Port Kembla club and said yesterday's tragedy had been repeated all too often at the now notorious fishing spot.
"It looks so safe but it's deceptive," he said.
"It's very sad and over the years a lot of people have been rescued by Port Kembla Surf Club."
SLSNSW lifesaving director Dean Storey said the man's death could have been avoided.
"A dangerous surf warning is current and it is reported the man was not wearing a lifejacket, which would have greatly increased his chances of survival," he said.
"A lifejacket is essential and should be worn, even if there appears to be little risk.
"The ocean is unpredictable and even the most experienced rock fisherman can be caught out."
Mr Storey urged rock fisherman to embrace the safety tips on offer, particularly during the winter period when rock fishing incidents tended to spike.
"If you only do one thing, make sure you wear a lifejacket," he said.
A dangerous surf warning remains in place today, with exposed beaches, rock shelves, headlands and river bar crossings expected to be extremely hazardous.
Visit www.watersafetynsw.gov.au for more information.
ROCK FISHING SAFETY TIPS
• Always wear a lifejacket
• Check the weather before leaving home
• Wear light clothing and appropriate footwear
• Always fish with a group of people
• If you need help call triple-0
Source: Surf Life Saving NSW
