AI Cameras Save Rock Fisher at NSW's Deadliest Spot

A life jacket and cutting-edge technology just saved a fisherman's life at Kiama Blowhole, a stunning but deadly stretch of coastline south of Sydney.

Two men were fishing on the rocks earlier this month when a massive wave knocked them both into the water. Within seconds, AI-enabled cameras detected the emergency and automatically alerted rescue teams.

One man managed to scramble back onto the rocks. The other, kept afloat by his life jacket, stayed calm in the water for 45 minutes until a helicopter winched him to safety. Paramedics treated him for only minor injuries.

The cameras take five pictures every second, using artificial intelligence to track people on the rock platform and detect when someone falls in. Once the system spots trouble, it sends instant alerts to emergency services without any human monitoring needed.

Steven Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, called it a breakthrough moment. "It has demonstrated that the project is a success," he said.

Kiama Blowhole has claimed 11 lives in the past 15 years, making it one of the most dangerous rock fishing spots in New South Wales. The location was chosen specifically for this reason when the trial launched four months ago.

The Ripple Effect

The 14-month trial is testing whether this technology can protect people at hundreds of unpatrolled beaches and remote coastal areas across Australia. Right now, only a fraction of beaches have lifeguards, leaving vast stretches of coastline with no emergency response.

The system still needs fine-tuning. The AI is learning to tell the difference between a person in distress and a seagull or boat, especially when sun glare bounces off the water. But this first real-world rescue shows the concept works.

Visitors at the blowhole this week praised the innovation. "When you realize that AI can be utilized to do such a thing, it's a marvelous thing," said Sydney resident Judy Reibelt.

Former rock fisher Shawn Armitage wants the cameras everywhere. "Rock fishing can be a very enjoyable thing to do but can be very dangerous in certain conditions," he said. "I think it should be rolled out statewide to save lives."

Meanwhile, Kiama council is pushing to make life jackets mandatory for rock fishers and give police power to issue on-the-spot fines. The rescued fisherman's life jacket made the difference between a close call and a potential tragedy.

Technology is creating a safety net where human eyes and hands can't reach, turning dangerous coastlines into protected spaces where people can fish safely.