Key Points
- Celestino Tamboong shared the joyful experience in his hobby of rock fishing, as well as the ways to avoid the dangers it brings
- Since 2005, almost 200 people have died while rock fishing in Australia; the majority in New South Wales.
- Local authorities are actively implementing safety measures for rock fishing, with a particular emphasis on the mandatory use of life jackets.
Every weekend, 63-year-old Celestino Tamboong, also known as Mang Tino, heads to Curl Curl Beach in Sydney for rock fishing.
Growing up along the shores of Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro in the Philippines, it has become Mang Tino's favorite pastime.
"Rock fishing is my ultimate stress reliever after long workdays. Simply grabbing some bait and sitting by the rocks makes all my stress melt away. It's in those moments, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the sea, that I find true relaxation. Rock fishing has a way of helping me forget all my problems and enjoy the simple pleasures of the moment."
Despite the joy and thrill of fishing, Mang Tino is well aware of the dangers it poses. Having nearly been swept away by strong waves near steep and sharp rocks when he was a beginner, he knows the risks.
"Having grown up in a fishing village, I've always felt at ease in the water. I assumed it would be easy, even without much know-how. However, the reality hit me when faced with strong waves, and I found myself nearly swept away. It's a stark reminder of just how perilous it can be.
Now, I take on the responsibility of guiding newcomers in rock fishing. I tell them the importance of wearing the right boots, proper clothing, and a life jacket.
I make sure to share essential tips on staying safe, passing on the knowledge I've gained over the years to ensure everyone enjoys their rock fishing experience securely," he shares.
Since 2005, around 200 people have died while rock fishing in Australia, with many incidents occurring in New South Wales. Twenty-two of these incidents were in the Randwick Council area, considered the deadliest coastline in the country for rock fishing.
Wearing a life jacket is strictly enforced on beaches in the Randwick area, including Little Bay, part of the Rock Fishing Safety Act. However, this law is not uniformly applied across the entire state and country.
For the law to be effective, councils need to apply to declare their areas as designated rock fishing areas.
According to Superintendent Joe McNulty of the NSW Police Marine Area Command, everyone should wear a life jacket regardless of where they are fishing.
Life jackets will save your life. They're designed to save your life and they will return you to your loved ones once you've been washed off the rock platform into the water in a dangerous situation.Joe McNulty
Authorities also caution against attempting to retrieve items swept away by strong waves.
Always keep an eye on the water, as large waves may go unnoticed and hit the rocks unexpectedly.
Based on Mang Tino's experience, they also avoid being on the rocks when it's dark or inclement weather. While there may be caves for shelter, he advises staying in elevated areas safe from high tides.
Additional reminders include not rock fishing alone and informing someone of your whereabouts. Even with a life jacket, knowing how to swim is beneficial for self-rescue if caught in the water.
