These people are told year after year how dangerous this is, and yet they still risk their lives (and the lives of others) for a lousy free feed.

Abalone fisher still critical after rescue at season opening

"A man is still fighting for his life in hospital after being dragged from the water near North Beach on Sunday as WA's abalone season opened.

"Conditions on Sunday were so treacherous that lifesavers performed as many rescues in one hour as they had performed in the entire three seasons before."