Behaviours and attitudes of recreational fishers toward safety at a ‘blackspot’ for fishing fatalities in Western Australia

Abstract

Issue addressed Recreational fishing, particularly rock fishing, can be dangerous; 30 fatalities were recorded in Western Australia from 2002-2014. This study investigates differences in behaviours and attitudes towards safety among fishers at a fishing fatality 'black spot' in Australia. Methods A total of 236 fishers were surveyed at Salmon Holes, Western Australia in 2015. Fishers were grouped by country of origin and significant differences among groups for behaviours and attitudes towards personal safety were identified. Results Of fishers surveyed, 53% were born in Asia. These fishers self-assessed as poorer swimmers (F=23.27, P<0.001), yet were more likely to have fished from rocks (χ=20.94, P<0.001). They were less likely to go close to the water to get a snagged line (χ=15.44, P<0.001) or to drink alcohol while fishing ( χ = 8.63, P<0.001), and were more likely to agree that they would drown if swept into the sea (χ=9.49, P<0.001). Although most respondents agreed that wearing a life jacket made fishing safer, 78% 'never' wore a life jacket while fishing. Conclusions Some fishers who were poor swimmers and were aware of the dangers of rock fishing still choose to fish from rocks. So what? Our results support the proposal that the wearing of life jackets should be promoted, if not made mandatory, while water safety education campaigns should be continued and target vulnerable communities.

Alcohol use, aquatic injury, and unintentional drowning: A systematic literature review

“…In an Australian study [77], it was found that 82% of recreational fishers reported never drinking alcohol while engaging in recreational fishing, with respondents born in Asia being less likely to consume alcohol. Another Australian study [8] found that positive attitudes toward drinking and swimming and perceived approval by important others predicted intention to swim while under the influence of alcohol.…”

Identifying a gap in drowning prevention: high-risk populations

“…Common behaviour identified across all the identified populations for increasing drowning risk were reduced supervision (including of young children, swimming alone or at locations without lifeguards),36–38 alcohol consumption28 36 37 39 and not wearing a lifejacket when boating or fishing 28 39 40. Attitudinal factors cited included low levels of perception towards drowning risk,31 36 38 39 41 42 parental influence and fear of water (parents and children) 33 34 43–47…”

“…Fifteen articles cited poor/no swimming ability as increasing drowning risk 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 37 40 45 47–49. Three studies measured swimming ability,46 47 50 while 11 articles presented self-reported measures of swimming ability, including parental perception of their child’s ability 26 28 34 37 40 48 49. Six studies identified limited knowledge of water safety or drowning prevention practices 26 33 36 37 41 51.…”

“…Cultural beliefs can both positively and negatively influence risk perception. Several studies in this review implied that low levels of risk perception towards drowning puts an individual at greater risk,39 40 42 as they may not fully understand the dangers and threat to their life. This has implications on communication and language when disseminating safety messages to communities 55.…”

“…All studies identified ethnic-minority populations as being at increased risk of drowning compared with mainstream populations. Most studies referred to national-level drowning statistics stating that certain population groups presented higher numbers of drowning compared with others 8 9 22 31 36 38–42 51 53. Indigenous populations were often combined into the ‘ethnic-minority’ population category27 48; however, prevention strategies are likely to be different due to the diverse underlying social determinants, including cultural beliefs 23 25 54.…”