Angler Safety

ALLAN WATER ANGLING IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.

HINTS AND ADVICE ON HOW TO SAY SAFE WHEN FISHING

Power Lines - LOOK OUT LOOK UP!

· Because rods containing carbon fibre conduct electricity, Care should be taken when used near overhead electric power lines.

· Remember that electricity can jump gaps and a rod does not even have to touch an electric line to cause a lethal current to flow.

· The height of high voltage overhead power lines can be as low as 17ft and they are therefore within easy reach of carbon fibre rod. Remember that overhead lines
may not be readily visible from the ground. They may be concealed by hedges or by a dark background. Make sure you “look out” and “look up” to check for
overhead lines before fishing begins.

· In general, the minimum safe fishing distance from an overhead electric power line is two rod lengths from the overhead line (measured along the ground).

· For further advice on safe fishing at specific locations please contact your local Electricity Board.

· Finally, remember that is dangerous for any object to get too close to overhead electric power lines, particularly if the object is an electrical conductor, eg a lead
cored fishing line or damp fishing line or rod.

River banks and Wading.

· If you can’t swim then avoid fishing in deep water.
· To reduce the risk of falling / slipping fish on a level bank by shallower water.
   If you do fish in deep water then be aware of the possible dangers around you like unstable banks, slippery tree roots and so on.
· When wading in water over knee deep it is recommended that a buoyancy aid be used in case of immersion.
· When a river is in flood or is fast flowing the currents can be very strong and in some cases will drag you under. This also happens around waterfalls where
   you can be dragged under the waterfall and pinned down under water.
  Please take every care when wading. Use buoyancy aids and carry a wading stick wherever possible.

Weil's Disease.

· Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis) is a bacterial infection carried by rats urine which contaminates water and the banks of rivers and ponds.

· There are a number of simple precautions you can take: ·

· Cover any cuts, sores, or scratches with waterproof plasters or gloves.

· Disinfect any wounds that occur at the waterside. Wash your hands. Cover food with a wrapper until you eat.

· Do not put your hands in your mouth after immersing in river water and never place bait or fishing line in your mouth. Do not touch dead animals, especially rats.

· If you develop flu like symptoms that persist tell your doctor that you may have been exposed to leptospirosis so that he/she can consider it in the diagnosis.

Cold Weather.

· In the winter the temperature on a river bank can be very cold.

· Make sure that you wear suitable clothing. Hats will also reduce heat loss through your head.

· Hypothermia can come on very quickly if you are not dressed correctly. A good tip is to take one more layer than you think you would need.

Fishing.

· When fishing be aware of your surroundings,

· Be aware of animals or people walking behind when you are casting or even other users of the river such as canoeists who are passing by.

· Always be aware of the wind direction and strength and the danger of hooks flying through the air at speed. A good tip is to wear a hat to protect your head.

· Hooks themselves are dangerous and rusty hooks should never be used due to possible infection.

· If you do hook yourself and you cannot remove the hook seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Animals.

· Please ensure you check before crossing fields that there are no cows or bulls as they can be potentially very dangerous and there is significant risk of injury or
even death.

· Animals with young when startled will protect them so be cautious. Give these animals a wide berth and due respect.

Driving

· Please take care when driving to and from your days fishing.

· Many of the roads on which anglers drive are small country roads with poor visibility and have many hidden hazards.

· Please drive at a pace consistent with the conditions and never drive too close to others on the road.