A rock fisherman was rescued after he was swept off the rocks at Dobroyd Head at Balgowlah Heights earlier today, 1 October.
A statement from Surf Life Saving NSW said the “47-year-old man, from a non-English speaking background, was wearing a life jacket and was pulled from the water conscious and breathing just before midday.”
The Surf Life Saving NSW Emergency Response System was activated by the NSW Police Force Rescue Coordinator at 11:25AM.
The Westpac Helicopter, also known as Lifesaver 21, was the first on scene after being tasked alongside Manly Lifeguard’s Rescue Water Craft and Support Ski 4, and winched the patient from the water before transporting him to Tania Park and transferring him to an ambulance.
The man was taken by road ambulance to Royal North Shore Hospital, where police report he remains under observation as a precaution.
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO, Steve Pearce said the incident is a sage reminder that lifejackets, when properly fitted and being worn while rock fishing, can save lives.
“The 2022 NSW Coastal Safety Report revealed a 30% increase in rock fishing related drownings, so when we see incidents such as this one where the man involved will go home to his family tonight, we are very pleased,” he said.
“Proper safety measures need to be put in place when you intend to visit our coastline to participate in rock fishing. It could save [a] life.”
Today, it probably did.
