Angel rings installed on west coast beaches
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Auckland Regional Council, WaterSafe Auckland Inc and Surf Life Saving Northern Region 19 December
2008
The installation of ‘angel rings’ at high risk rock fishing spots on Auckland’s west coast beaches could help save
lives this summer, but wearing a lifejacket should still be the number one priority for rock fishers.
The partnership between the Auckland Regional Council (ARC), WaterSafe Auckland Inc., Surf Life Saving Northern Region
has launched another trial initiative to reduce the number of rock fishing fatalities on Auckland’s west coast beaches.
Angel rings are circular buoyant flotation devices that can keep a person afloat until help arrives. They are also
known as life buoys or life rings. Like the strongly recommended use of lifejackets or personal flotation devices
(PFD’s) and rescue services, angel rings play an important part in the ‘layers of protection’ in drowning prevention at
high-risk fishing sites. This year’s angel ring trial follows a similar programme carried out in New South Wales and
builds upon the research, education and behaviour change aspects discovered through the west coast rock fishing safety
project which finished earlier this year. The initial three-year west coast rock fishing safety project encouraged rock
fishers to wear lifejackets, check weather conditions, wear appropriate clothing and always carry a mobile phone with
them when rock fishing. The outcomes of this pilot project have gone on to be part of the partner organisations’ ongoing
work programmes.
Chair of the ARC Parks and Heritage Committee Sandra Coney says angel rings will be installed at well-known rock
fishing black spots, where fatalities have occurred in the past. “We are installing the angel rings at popular rock
fishing spots at Whatipu, Piha and Muriwai before Christmas in time for the busy summer period. Rings will also be
installed at Karekare, Bethells Beach and Whites Beach after the New Year,” she says.
“Permanent safety signs and brochures will be installed along with the angel rings, so fishers will be aware of how to
use the rings in the event of an emergency. This initiative could help save lives this summer, but it is important that
rock fishers don’t treat these safety devices as a substitute for wearing a lifejacket,” Cr Coney says.
“A lifejacket is your best chance of surviving if you fall into the surf or get swept off the rocks by large swells.
Fishers should also be checking the tide, surf and weather conditions and fish with a buddy,” she says.
The partner agencies are working with Safe Waitakere to install an angel ring at Bethells Beach in early 2009. Sites
have been carefully chosen for the installation of angel rings says Surf Life Saving Northern Region lifesaving manager
Dean Storey.
“We have recommended these sites based on our local knowledge, research, incident statistics and evidence from our
organisations’ joint project.
“We have the support of each of the local surf clubs – which is vital in our ongoing monitoring of this trial and in
measuring the success of angel rings in these locations,” he says. Angel rings will be installed using best practice
methods learned from the successful New South Wales programme. Importantly, careful consideration will be given to the
siting of each ring, including where they might best facilitate rescues without intruding on the natural views from the
rock platforms.
The ongoing maintenance of angel rings equipment will be managed jointly between lifeguards in the summer season and
regular park ranger work programmes. Successful initiatives used in New South Wales include equipment checks by
volunteers and interest groups like fishing clubs, and this will also be investigated by the project group. The
installation of angel rings is being endorsed by sporting legend Michael Jones, who was the face of the west coast rock
fishing project in the summer of 2007-2008.
“Those of us that live in west Auckland know that our beautiful beaches can be harsh and should be treated with
respect,” says the All Black and west coast local. “For the sake of your family, your community and so that you might
enjoy this pastime for years to come – don’t put your life on the line. Wear a lifejacket and pay attention to the
safety messages at these high risk locations,” he says. Project leader and ARC park ranger Stu Leighton says a large
majority of rock fishers on Auckland’s west coast are from our region’s Asian and Pacific Island communities. “It’s key
that the signage and brochures detailing how to use angel rings and messages which promote safe rock fishing methods are
translated into English, Mandarin, Korean, Samoan and Tongan,” he says.
Asian and Polynesian language speaking safety advisors will be employed through January until March to help spread the
word that it is vital to wear a lifejacket and to promote safe rock fishing practices, as well as ensuring fishers
understand how to use an angel ring. WaterSafe Auckland Drowning Prevention Manager Teresa Stanley agrees that it is
important
to continue to push for fishers to wear lifejackets at all times while out on the rocks. “While the three year trial
was successful in getting fishers to wear lifejackets, there is this idea that it’s not cool or macho for fishers to
wear lifejackets. But the consequences of not wearing a lifejacket are far more serious. We are following on from last
year and offering a generous discount off the purchase off lifejackets to encourage fishers to wear them,” she says.
The discounts will offer $60 off the purchase of a Hutchwilco, Safety at Sea and RFD lifejackets, which will be
available from rock fishing safety advisors, surf lifeguards and from the Friends of Whatipu volunteers. The lifejackets
on offer include the new inflatable designs that are a lot less bulky than older designs.
ENDS