Surf Life Saving WA calls out risky behaviour including two near drownings ahead of abalone fishing session

Abalone fishers have been urged to put safety first this weekend after there were several rescues including saving two unconscious fishers at the opening session of the abalone fishing season.

There were 15 rescues performed by surf lifesavers at the opening session of the 2024/25 abalone fishing season on December 14 including two fishers pulled from the water unconscious with at least one requiring hospitalisation.

Ahead of the next one-hour fishing session on January 11, Surf Life Saving WA services manager Cam Robbins said the incidents could have ended tragically if lifesaving services weren’t able to render assistance immediately.

Other risky behaviours included fishers holding each other underwater to help secure their abalone and adults venturing out onto the reef with small children, who would likely have little to no swimming or survival skills.

“This kind of behaviour is incredibly irresponsible,” Mr Robbins said.

“It places all individuals concerned at unnecessary risk. It doesn’t take much to wash someone off their feet and put them in danger of drowning.”

Ocean conditions for this Saturday’s session have been assessed as a medium risk but Mr Robbins said the message “just because you can go out doesn’t mean you should” remain.

Fishers are urged to wear the right gear, be aware of conditions, and keep an eye on ocean swells and waves that wash across reef tops.

Surf lifesavers will be patrolling Halls Head, Point Peron, Penguin Island, Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club, Hamersley Pool, Mettams, Bennion Beach, Iluka, Ocean Reef, Mindarie, Yanchep Lagoon, and Fisherman’s Hollow.

The area north of Moore River to Greenough River Mouth is not patrolled by SLSWA.

The fishing sessions will occur for one hour between 7am and 8am on January 11, February 1, and February 15.

Last abalone fishing season, Surf Life Saving WA performed 101 rescues, 114 first aids, and 2717 preventative actions.