Rock fisher behaviours and perceptions regarding drowning risk assessed by direct observation and self-report: A public awareness campaign evaluation.

Campaign evaluation measures showed mixed outcomes. Irrespective, most rock fishers carry high drowning risk through failure to wear lifejackets. Legal mandating of lifejackets for identified high-risk platform is being introduced for Victoria, although careful evaluation is required to detect unanticipated outcomes. Informing future campaign evaluation, complementary methods highlight likely bias in self-reporting through faulty recall or social desirability. SO WHAT?: Future campaigns require innovative or novel design, over longer duration, to capture attention and change rock fisher behaviours.