The Bangalley Headland rockshelf at Avalon Beach is an isolated spot - not a place to go fishing on your own, even in great conditions.
Surf Life Saving NSW is trialling a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera technology to help prevent rock fishing tragedies at some of the state’s highest-risk coastal locations.
The SAIL Project (Surveillance AI for Lifesaving) harnesses AI to improve coastal safety by detecting incidents in real time and alerting rescuers sooner, extending lifesaving capability beyond the red and yellow patrol flags.
The trial, jointly funded by the NSW and Federal Governments, uses AI-enabled cameras to identify when someone is washed off the rocks or enters the water unexpectedly and alerts lifesavers and emergency services.
Cameras capture continuous video feeds and when AI identifies an emergency event, the SLSNSW State Operations Centre (SOC) is alerted who then task the closest, most appropriate rescue resource to respond.
Post-incident data will be used to refine the AI model, effectively training the technology to detect people in trouble as it happens.
A 14-month trial is underway at two high-risk coastal sites: Little Bay and Kiama Blowhole. These locations were selected based on incident data and their complex hazard profiles.
In the last 10 years there were eight rock fishing drowning deaths in the Randwick LGA, with five of them occurring at Little Bay.
Already the trial has resulted in the rescue of fishermen swept off rocks during a heavy swell at Malabar, with a jet ski dispatched to pull them from the water after cameras identified them falling in.
When rock fishing in a declared area, fishers are required by law to wear an appropriate lifejacket, including children and anyone helping them fish. Declared areas can be found here.
The Minns Government states it is investing $23 million over four years into Surf Life Saving NSW to support volunteer efforts to protect our coastline.
This funding is delivering jet skis and emergency response beacons up and down the coast, targeting known coastal blackspots and helping to extend the reach of life saving services.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib stated:
“This trial uses AI technology to support the work of our lifesavers – if it can help us respond faster to prevent tragedies it is worth exploring. This is a great example of how our emergency services are harnessing new technology to protect communities.
“Both Kiama and Little Bay have sadly seen too many heart-breaking incidents. By working with Surf Life Saving NSW, we’re taking practical steps aimed at making the NSW coastline safer – and already, we are seeing lives saved.
“Our investment in surf life saving jet skis also means we can expand the reach of our life savers beyond the beach, with technology like this helping better direct emergency services to people in danger.”
Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, Matt Thistlethwaite stated:
“Little Bay is home to one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline in Australia. Eight people have drowned on this coastline in the last decade, and all of them have been rock fishing.
“The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with Surf Life Saving NSW on a trial that combines the skill and expertise of lifesavers with emerging AI technology to help save more lives.”
Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley said:
“Rock fishing safety is a big concern along this stretch of coastline, so we’re really pleased to be able to support this innovative trial with Surf Life Saving NSW.
“Randwick LGA has the highest number of rock fishing drowning deaths in NSW, accounting for 13 per cent of all incidents in the last 20 years.”
Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:
"I'm pleased to see this new technology being rolled out in the electorate. Our community has been impacted too many times over the years when people have been swept off rock platforms, and it's encouraging to see innovative safety solutions being trialled to help save lives. I encourage everyone to stay alert to conditions and always wear a life jacket while enjoying our coastline."
Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:
“Little Bay has sadly been the site of so many rock fishing accidents and emergencies attended by our lifesavers and callout teams.
“Using AI to detect when someone gets washed off the rocks and being able to keep them in sight once in the water means we can respond so much sooner to perform a rescue.
“Rock fishing remains one of the highest risk activities and I urge rock fishers to wear a life jacket every time they fish and avoid situations where they put their lives at risk this summer.”
General Rock Fishing Safety Tips:
- Check the weather, surf conditions and tides before going fishing
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
- Always wear a lifejacket
- Wear appropriate non-slip footwear and light clothing
- Always fish with a friend
- Check the warnings signs for information about the area
- Never turn your back to the water
- Do not try and retrieve anything that has fallen into the water
- Do not jump in if someone falls into the water - wait for assistance or throw an ‘Angel Ring’ or Lifebuoy if there is one nearby
- Additionally boaters are urged to always check conditions prior and to log on with their local Marine Rescue Base via radio or using the MarineRescue App. Visit www.mrnsw.com.au or more information
- Call Triple Zero – Police to report an in-water emergency
Barrenjoey to Manly: high risk rock fishing declared areas map
