Randwick City Council Surf Life Saving NSW have united to establish a free ‘Life Jacket Library’ in Maroubra – the latest initiative in a suite of public safety measures introduced to help rock fishers return home safely to their families.
Funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the life jackets are available for loan from the popular Des Renford Leisure Centre (DRLC) located just minutes from dozens of well-known rock fishing blackspots at La Perouse, Little Bay, Maroubra and Malabar.
Twenty-four people have died while rock fishing in the Randwick LGA in the past 25 years, making it statistically the most dangerous area in Australia.
The library operates on a simple, free borrow and return system and is easy to use. Visitors can check-in and check-out a life jacket during DRLC business hours by scanning a QR code, which also provides guidance on correct fitting and key safety tips for rock fishing.
Research shows that wearing a life jacket is one of the most effective tools in preventing drowning, increasing your chances of survival in an emergency. It is also a legal requirement to wear a lifejacket while rock fishing in many coastal areas.
“This initiative forms part of our multifaceted Rock Fishing Safety Project, which last year saw 10,000 people engaged through various programs, including nine in-community and coastal programs encouraging safe practice and teaching helpful tips and tricks to rock fishers,” said SLSNSW CEO, Steve Pearce.
“By providing this free Life Jacket Library to rock fishers, we’re effectively reducing barriers to essential safety equipment and promoting safe behaviour via a convenient access point, which is located nearby to rock platforms we know rock fishers frequent.”
Randwick Mayor, Dylan Parker welcomed the initiative, saying it could help to save lives.
“We know that rock fishers who wear lifejackets are statistically more likely to survive an accident than those that don’t,” he said.
“This library provides an easy and convenient option for people to access these lifesaving devices, particular for visitors, newcomers to the sport and those unaware of the legal requirements.”
Located less than 10 minutes down the road in Little Bay, sits another of SLSNSW’s initiatives – an AI camera trial which provides heightened safety and awareness at a notorious rock platform near Little Bay Beach.
For the full reporting year of 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, there were 10 rock fishing and rock platform related coastal drownings in NSW. For the 2025/26 season to date, being 1 July 2025 to now, there has also been 10.
The Life Jacket Library concept will run until 30 June 2026, with SLSNSW and Randwick City Council to review the trial program.
The Lifejacket Library is located at Des Renford Leisure Centre on the corner of Robey St and Jersey Road in Maroubra. The Centre is open 7 days from 5.30am to 10pm Mon-Thu, 5.30am to 8.30pm Thursday and 7am to 6pm on weekends. Staff are available to assist people with borrowing a jacket.
