Life jacket policing ramped up

Fisheries officers and rangers have their eyes on Salmon Holes, as D-day approaches for fines to be handed to those caught on the rocks without a life jacket.

The one-month education period for the mandatory life jacket trial began on January 1, with fines up to $1000 for people who are caught on the rocks without a life jacket from February.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development officers and rangers are patrolling the area regularly and providing visitors with education material.

An education team is also visiting tackle shops and suppliers throughout the region with information packages.

So far nobody has been caught fishing from the rocks without a life jacket, indicating earlier warnings have been effective.

DPIRD regional manager Russell Adams warned fishers that fines will be handed out from February 1 regardless of excuses.

“Once the one-month education period has expired fines will be issued,” he said.

“The visitors we’ve spoken to have been supportive of the initiative.”

Eight people have died at Salmon Holes since 2010.