Police are investigating after a man died near Lake Macquarie.
About 9.30am (Saturday 9 January 2016), police and Ambulance Paramedics were called to a beach at Catherine Hill Bay after reports that a man had fallen into the water.

The man was brought to shore by lifesavers but he was unable to be revived and died at the scene.

No information on his identity is available at this stage.

Initial investigations suggest the man was rock fishing at the time.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Rock anglers should follow these safety tips every time they venture out:

– Always wear a life jacket;
– Make enquiries and check weather and marine conditions before you leave home;
– Observe first/fish later: watch your intended fishing spot to get an idea of the conditions over a full swell/wave cycle;
– Carry safety gear; head protection, as well as a float and line to help anyone else who might be washed into the water;
– Never fish by yourself and always stand within sight of each other;
– Make sure you let family and friends know where you are going and when you’ll be back;
– Carry a mobile phone;
– Never fish in exposed areas during rough or large seas and be aware that conditions may change dramatically in a short period of time;
– Stay alert. Never turn your back on the sea;
– If waves, the weather or swell threaten your fishing spot, leave immediately;
– If in doubt, don’t go out; and,
– In the event of an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

To check the weather and conditions before rock fishing, visit:
www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/check-rock-fishing.shtml

Further safety information can be found at: www.safefishing.com.au and www.beachsafe.org.au.