Anglers cop $200 fine at Salmon Holes
Two men have become the first rock fishermen to be fined for not wearing lifejackets at the notorious Salmon Holes.
The visiting anglers were each fined $200 on Easter Monday after being observed by a Parks and Wildlife ranger on the rocks without personal flotation devices.
Under the three-year State Government trial which began in January, anglers not wearing type one lifejackets at Salmon Holes face fines ranging between $100 and $1000.
Patrols at the popular fishing spot where 13 people have died since 1983 were ramped up in recent weeks leading up to the annual salmon run and the Easter break.
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions acting Albany district manager Luke Coney said it was disappointing anglers were choosing not to wear a lifejacket despite the amount of safety messages in the community since the trial started.
“It’s fair to say we are disappointed these two have chosen not to abide by the signage,” he said.
“This is in place for people’s safety to try and save lives, and to not take on board the messaging and place your life at risk as well potentially as the rescuers, it’s disappointing.”
Mr Coney said the enforcement of the lifejacket trial would continue to be “zero tolerance”.
Albany Sea Rescue operations co-ordinator Chris Johns applauded the enforcement.
He said the likelihood of an angler surviving if they were swept off the rocks was a lot higher if they were wearing a lifejacket.
“It’s great that it is being enforced, and that is the message that needs to get out there, that it is not a slap on the wrist,” Mr Johns said.
The mandatory lifejacket trial will run until June 30, 2021.
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