Late Sunday afternoon, February 24, Kiama Jet Rescue Boat Service received reports of a rock fisherman in distress off the southern headland of Easts Beach in Kiama. 

According to Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters, the man was became isolated on a rock shelf due to the rising tide around midday. 

Once on scene, a sea rescue swimmer from the rescue boat swam to the rocks to assess the stranded man. 

Due to the treacherous surf, the rescue swimmer was unable to guide the fisherman back to land. The rescue boat negotiated the rising tide and dangerous conditions to retrieve the fisherman and the rescue swimmer from the water. 

The fisherman was taken back to Kiama Harbour, where he was assessed by paramedics. 

Swimmers and fishermen have been reminded to exercise extreme caution on the coast over the coming days with strong winds, large waves and high tides a result of tropical cyclone Oma.