Wearing life jackets while rock-fishing in high-risk areas is set to become compulsory in NSW.

Key points: Government says 37 rock fishers killed in past four years

Government says 37 rock fishers killed in past four years Penalty for non-compliance will be "similar to other on-water activities"

Penalty for non-compliance will be "similar to other on-water activities" Part of challenge is with fishers from non-English speaking backgrounds

The NSW Government said there had been 37 deaths in the state over the past four years, with people drowning after being swept from rocks while fishing.

Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said the laws would be introduced soon.

"What we are saying to the people of NSW today is that if you enjoy rock-fishing, that's fantastic, but we want you to get home. You have to wear a life-jacket if you are in a high-risk area," he said.

"Unfortunately, it has taken 37 deaths for this legislation to come through."

Mr Elliot said the penalties for not wearing a life jacket in these areas would be similar to those for on-water activities.

The Baird Government has been criticized in recent months for introducing "nanny-state" legislation, but Mr Elliot said it had no choice but to act.

"This is legislation that has been forced on the Government because people have not heeded the public safety campaigns in the past," Mr Elliot said.

He said many rock fishers were from non-English speaking backgrounds and it could be difficult to get the safety message through.

He also admitted it would be a hard law to police.

"This is not going to be an easy bill, because it is not an easy law to police, because of the length and the size of the NSW coastline," he said.

There will be a 12-month grace period after the laws are brought in.