An angler has died after being swept off rocks at Merry Beach on the south coast of NSW on Saturday morning,
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Emergency services were called to Merry Beach, Kioloa, shortly after 7.30am following reports a man had been swept off rocks and into the ocean.
Officers from Shoalhaven Local Area Command, with the assistance of Westpac Life Rescue Helicopter attended and located a man face down deadin the water.
It's believed the man, 53, was a resident from the local area.
It is not known whether the manwas wearing a life jacket.
He has not been formally identified. A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
On Saturday morning a dangerous surf warning was issued for waters along the coast for Illawarra, Batemans Bay and Eden by the Bureau of Meterology.
The powerful surf forecast for Saturday and Sunday prompted the BOM to warn against participating in coastal activities such as rock fishing, boating and swimming.
The death comes on the first weekend the bureau started the new weather warning aimed at enhancing the safety of rock fishers, boaters and swimmers in and around coastal waters.
The Hazardous Surf Warning service was launched to alert the public when conditions are dangerous for rock fishing, boating or swimming due to swells created by weather systems far off the coast.
BOM Weather Services manager for New South Wales, Jane Golding, said a driver for developing the Hazardous Surf Warning was to reduce rock fishing injuries and deaths.
"A key finding from our research is that awareness of large and powerful wave conditions would influence over 90 per cent of rock fishers to change their plans," Ms Golding said.
"Boaters and swimmers also need to keep up with the latest warnings and forecasts because conditions on the water can be more dangerous than they appear, even when it seems calm and the sun is shining," she said.
The warnings will identify which coastal waters areas are affected and include safety advice that has been developed with maritime agencies.
The death has prompted police to remind rock anglers to follow these safety tips every time they venture out:
* Always wear a life jacket
* Make enquiries and check weather and conditions before you leave home
* Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle
* Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water.
* Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other
* Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you'll be back
* Carry a mobile phone
* Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
* Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea
* If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately
* If in doubt, don't go out
* In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Further safety information can be found at: www.safefishing.com.au.
- with the Bay Post
