ISSUE 02
- Beth Landon
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
This issue will look into the incredible initiative Port Kembla SLSC has been involved in to help keep the beach safe. Seasoned lifesaver: Jackson McLennan tells us what he’s looking forward to in the upcoming season.
GENERAL NEWS
PREPARE FOR THE DAY, PREPARE FOR THE CONDITIONS
Picture this: perfect swell, with the fish biting and the best weather you can visualise. This is fisherman James Russel’s ideal day, as well as so many other fishing enthusiasts. It is difficult to imagine, on a day as perfect as this, that the simple change of a wind direction can lead to dangerous conditions.
Honeycomb rocks, off Hill 60, provide the ideal location for rock fisherman. Unfortunately, it is often forgotten that these rocks have been the location for the 6 fisherman deaths since 2021. What is heartbreaking, is that the majority of drownings can be prevented with the simple act of wearing a lifejacket.
Surf Lifesaving NSW has had enough and arrived at Port Kembla Surf Club on August 23 to deliver the safety program, ‘Gone Fishing’, to the fishing community.
James Russel arrived with hopes of updating his skills to stay safe whilst out fishing.
“I’m getting older and don’t have as much confidence as I used to when I’m on the rocks as when I was younger.”
Participants were informed that it is possible to rock fish safely by checking the weather before going fishing, assessing the conditions once there and wearing a lifejacket. Background knowledge is also important as it is useful to understand the nature of the rocks in regards to swells and identifying both the safe and dangerous spots. The program finished with a demonstration JetSki rescue by lifesavers from Bellambi SLSC and Windang SLSC at Hill 60.
The program is open to all ages and features a range of different workshops to help educate the public. These include: interpreting coastal conditions, lifejacket safety, rock fishing skills, CPR demonstration, fishing regulations and safety guidelines and a kid’s education corner.
Surf Lifesaving Community Presenter, Bel Chen, mentions how Surf Safety does not just start from adulthood, and stresses the importance of education from a young age as it is never enough.
“What I would say is the most important part is to always stay with adults.”
LIFESAVER SPOTLIGHT
JACKSON MCLENNAN
How many years have you been involved in the club?
About 9 years now.
What are you looking forward to in this season?
Doing my IRB Crew.
Why do you like patrolling?
I like the sense of responsibility it gives me, I like being there and being able to help out.
What is your most memorable moment from patrol?
Probably my first rescue about a year ago now. Out on the rocks a woman and a child were getting slammed into Paddy’s, I swam out and was the first one out there. It was a good experience. It made me feel like I’d done something, made me feel like I was there for a reason.
NIPPERS
Nippers registrations have now closed which mean proficiencies are coming up. Proficiencies will be conducted at Port Kembla Olympic Pool with more information coming soon.
COMING UP...
18-19/10/2025 - Nipper’s proficiencies
Surf Club registrations
View our full calendar here
Comments