Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Magazine Spring 2025

Publisher/Editor Alison Robinson - Central Coast Magazines Typesetting and design Hub Graphic Design - Nicole Chambers - nicole@hubgd.com.au Central Coast Magazines Home & Lifestyle

Rock fishing safety tips W ear a life jacket. No matter your experience level, it is law to always wear an appropriate life jacket when rock fishing. Life jackets significantly increase your chance of survival if you are washed into the water. An on-the-spot fine of $100 applies to those fishing without an approved lifejacket. Anyone who is helping you rock fish, as well as children in your care, must also wear an appropriate lifejacket. To learn more about finding the right lifejacket while rock fishing, visit the NSW Government Water Safety website or watch the ‘How to choose the right lifejacket for rock fishing’ video. For more information, including a map of high-risk rock fishing locations on the Central Coast, visit the NSW Government Water Safety website. Never fish alone - Fish with at least three people and within sight of each other. If someone is washed in, one person can stay and help while the other alerts emergency services (call 000). Mobile phone users can also dial 112 to access emergency services. Inform others of your plans - Always let friends or family know where you are going and when you will be back. Wear light clothing and appropriate footwear such as shorts, a spray jacket will let you swim easily if you are washed in. Jumpers are heavy and difficult to take off. Use shoes for the conditions - cleats, sandals and sandshoes with non-slip soles suit different surfaces. Carry safety gear - Wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest. Also bring something buoyant that can be easily thrown and held onto, to help you stay afloat. Carry ropes, a float and torches. Fish only in places you know are safe and check conditions - Be aware of local weather, swell and tidal conditions before going fishing or call the weather information line 1900 937 107. Conditions change dramatically in a short period of time. Check swell forecasts via Willy Weather, SeaBreeze and subscribe to Roads and Maritime Authority weather email alerts. Observe first, fish later - Spend at least 30 minutes - watch your intended spot before fishing to know the conditions over a full swell/ wave cycle. Wave conditions can worsen as the tide changes - you should know whether the tides are high or low and coming in or going out. Plan an escape route in case you are washed in If you are washed in, stay calm, swim away from the rocks, look for a safe place to come ashore or stay afloat and wait for help to arrive. Stay alert - Don’t ever turn your back on the sea - if the waves, weather or swell threaten your fishing spot leave immediately. Ask for advice from locals they may be able to tell you when an area is dangerous. Do not jump in if someone is washed into the water -Use your rope or something that floats to rescue the person. If there’s an Angel Ring nearby know how to use it. For regular updates and alerts on fishing subscribe to Recreational Fishing Alliance safety email alerts and newsletters. Visit the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW website or Safe Fishing website for detailed rock fishing safety information.

Contributors

Central Coast Council NSW Government Water Safety NSW Justic Ass inc - Tuggerah Lakes Branch

Australian National Health & Medical Research Council Geoff Garlinge

- Certified Health Counsellor Dip.HC MRA (Medical Register of Australia)

Central Coast Home & Lifestyle Magazine ABN 77 022 324 758 To subscribe for FREE eMagazines each issue go to www.centralcoasthomeandlifestyle.com.au Advertising contact Alison Robinson alison@centralcoasthomeandlifestyle.com.au 0408 630 214

Conditions: Articles in the ’Central Coast Home & Lifestyle’ magazine express the opinions of the contributors and not necessarily those of the ‘Central Coast Home & Lifestyle’ magazine. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of any statement contained in the text or advertisements. All material appearing in the magazine is copyright. All rights reserved.

Finding peace by the ocean. H ave you ever stood by the tranquil ocean, feeling a profound sense of calm wash over you? It’s as if the gentle rhythm of the waves beckons you to close your eyes and let go of all worries. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. Many individuals experience a soothing effect when they hear the ocean on calm, sunny days. Many of us love to sit near the ocean or a river and gaze out at the water -- often, we can sit for long periods simply observing the gentle movements of the water. As we stand by the water’s edge, the gentle rise and fall of the waves create a soothing pattern that resonates with the beating of our hearts. This synchronized rhythm induces a state of relaxation, lulling us into a separate mind. Though we may not be conscious of it, the water could be inducing a mildly meditative state of calm focus and gentle awareness. The blue expanse of the ocean on tranquil days is a sight to behold. This vast, separate canvas of blue has a profound effect on our psyche. Blue is often associated with calmness, serenity, and tranquillity, and the ocean’s hue embodies these qualities perfectly.