A life jacket has been credited with saving the life of a rock fisherman swept into the ocean at Kiama Blowhole early on Sunday morning.

The 29-year-old man was fishing near the blowhole around dawn when he was knocked from the rocks by heavy waves and carried into the water.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 7am, prompting a multi-agency response involving surf lifesavers, lifeguards, police and paramedics.

The man was located between 30 and 50 metres offshore in rough seas.

He was winched to safety by the TOLL Ambulance Rescue Helicopter within about 30 minutes of entering the water.

Apart from minor cuts, he was not seriously injured.

Surf Life Saving NSW South Coast emergency coordinator Josh Douglas said the life jacket allowed the man, who was not a strong swimmer, to remain afloat away from the rocks while waiting for help.

He said attempting to climb back onto rocks in heavy conditions often leads to further injury, particularly at hazardous locations such as the blowhole.

Authorities continue to urge rock fishers to wear life jackets and take extra precautions when fishing from exposed rock platforms.

Kiama MP Katelin McInerney posted on social media: "LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES.

"Thanks to everyone involved in the rescue effort this morning. We are fortunate to be taking part in an AI camera trial to help keep rockfishers safe, but the best protection is wearing a properly fitted life jacket."

Rock fishing has claimed several lives along the Illawarra coastline in recent years.

Seven people have died at Kiama in the past decade, leading to the trial of artificial intelligence cameras designed to detect when someone is washed off rocks and automatically alert emergency services.