A man has been rescued and is safe and well after being swept into the water while fishing at Little Bay yesterday.

About 6.10pm (Tuesday 26 May 2015), the 47-year-old man was fishing with friends on rocks at the base of a cliff when he was swept into the water following a large wave.

The man’s friends attempted to assist him; however he remained in the water.

Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Local Area Command, Botany Bay Water Police and a NSW Ambulance helicopter attended and attempted to assist the man.

About 6.50pm, the man was washed back onto the rocks and treated at the scene, before being taken to Prince of Wales Hospital suffering a cut to his leg. He has since been released.

No one else was injured during the incident.

The man was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.

This incident has prompted police to remind all rock anglers to follow these safety tips when they venture out:
– Always wear a life jacket
– Make enquiries and check weather and conditions before you leave home
– Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle
– Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water.
– Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other
– Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you’ll be back
– Carry a mobile phone
– Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time
– Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea
– If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately
– If in doubt, don’t go out
– In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.