The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFA) has strengthened its long-standing commitment to saving lives on the rocks with the launch of a new series of short, practical, and culturally inclusive rock fishing safety videos. These new videos join the long list of fishing safety videos the RFA has produced over the past 17 years.
For more than two decades, the RFA has worked with NSW multicultural communities, government, and industry partners to improve safety awareness and promote simple, life-saving behaviours.
The newly released video series takes this commitment further by delivering safety messages in multiple languages, spoken directly by experienced rock fishers from non-English speaking backgrounds. The videos are funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust Fund.
“These are real fishers, speaking in their own voices and their own languages, sharing the safety lessons that save lives,” said Malcolm Poole, RFA of NSW Safety Office. “By making these messages multilingual and authentic, we’re making sure they resonate with the very communities most at risk.”
The video series highlights the core pillars of safe rock fishing:
- Always wear an approved lifejacket.
- Check weather and swell conditions before heading out.
- Never fish alone – fish with friends or family.
- Choose safe locations and avoid risky spots.
- Know how to call for help and what to do in an emergency.
The multilingual content ensures that critical safety advice is accessible to fishers from diverse backgrounds, particularly in coastal communities where rock fishing is deeply embedded in cultural and family traditions.
“Every fatality is a tragedy for families and communities,” Mr Poole said. “These videos are about breaking down language barriers, building awareness, and making sure every fisher goes home safely.” Organic viewership data of the videos also indicates engagement from overseas audiences, including Vietnam and Korea—highlighting the videos’ broader reach and their potential to inform future visitors to Sydney’s iconic coastline.
The videos are now available on social media channels and are designed to be easily shared among communities, fishing groups, and safety networks.
- Mandarin Safety Resources
- Cantonese Safety Resources
- Korean Safety Resources
- Vietnamese Safety Resources
- English Safety Resources
In addition to these new resources, a library of existing safety videos and information remains available at www.safefishing.com.au, making it easier than ever for fishers to access vital safety advice.