Rock anglers ignore lifejacket message

Despite a spate of rock-fishing deaths on Auckland's dangerous west coast last year, almost three-quarters of rock fishers surveyed there never wear a lifejacket, according to a new survey.

The survey was carried out as part of a pilot project aimed at addressing mounting concern over the increasing number of rock-fishing fatalities in the area.

Last year, five Asian immigrants died on the west coast - two each at Muriwai and Whatipu, and one at Bethells Beach.

None was wearing a life jacket.

The project was commissioned by the Auckland Regional Council, WaterSafe Auckland and Surf Life Saving Northern.

Its recommendations include retaining the safety adviser summer campaign for two more years, promoting inflatable jackets, multilingual signs and flotation devices at high-risk spots.