Snapper Classic at Coffs Harbour safety reminder issued

by Penny Robins on 9 Jun 2011 The Snapper Classic at Coffs Harbour 2011 is being held this weekend. Today, NSW Maritime issued a safety reminder to kayak fishers planning to enter the event.

Dave Irvine Memorial Snapper Classic are the organisers of the event and have now announced a new kayak fishing category that allows kayak fishers to enter this offshore fishing competition for the first time alongside the large number of powerboat teams that make up the event.

The competition organisers require people fishing in kayaks to adhere to an additional set of kayak specific rules such as fishing in pairs, logging on and off with Marine Rescue Coffs Harbour and abiding by NSW Maritime’s rules and regulations for safe boating. NSW Maritime North Coast Regional Manager Jim Green said people fishing from kayaks should take extra care when competing in the event. 'The extra requirements put in place for kayak fishers by the competition organisers are about safety,' he said. 'Every skipper, and that applies to the skipper of paddle craft, is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board.'

'Paddlers must also observe fundamental boating safety rules such as keeping a proper look out, keeping to the right and complying with all safety equipment requirements. 'There are already more than 200 competition entries from around Australia and the majority of entrants are powerboat teams who will compete alongside the kayak fishers.

'This is the first time kayak fishers have taken part in the competition so all entrants need to apply care, courtesy and common sense.' More information on paddle safety can be found here and for more info about lifejackets for paddling, click here.