THE regulation of life jackets is a divisive subject. Most states across Australia have strengthened their boating life jacket regulations over the past few years. Small boats are the main target, and if numbers are to be believed, the results are positive. It’s pretty simple; when something goes terribly wrong, a life jacket could well save your life.
It’s not so simple on the stones. The rules and messages around wearing a life jacket while rock fishing are a whole lot more complicated. There are so many other factors in play, including suitable footwear and clothing, understanding ocean conditions and much more. It’s complicated, and as such, it’s not a problem easily fixed with a simple “one size fits all” approach.
In my home state of NSW, along with a…
