Some Essential Information on Angling Safety

Just a few tips, not an exhaustive guide to safety
Remember - be aware at all times of safety issues, the outdoor world can be dangerous, you must take responsibility for your own and others safety and well-being when undertaking any outdoor activity, especially those involving water - like fishing!

• Take a friend Company when fishing makes it much more enjoyable and if one of you gets into difficulty the other can help (if safe) or raise the alarm.
• Beware Electric cables Always keep well clear of overhead cables. They could be carrying very high voltages - and you don't need to touch them, the electricity can 'jump' over surprisingly large gaps. (despite what some people think rubber wellies will NOT help) Do not pass electric cables tackled-up. Club rules specifically forbid fishing within 30 metres of any electric cable.
• Beware Thunderstorms NEVER fish in a thunderstorm. Lightning WILL kill you. Take shelter before the storm (NOT under a tree). If you are caught out in a storm ditch your gear - carbon fibre and metal attract lightning - and lie flat well away from it and trees and wire fences, wet and daft looking much better than dead! Don't use a boat if there's a chance of a storm and if you get caught afloat get ashore as quick as possible.
• Learn to swim You should be able to swim fully clothed, see your local swimming baths for courses.
• Protect your eyes Wear sunglasses or safety glasses or spectacles, this is particulary important when fly-fishing.
• Keep warm Wear suitable clothes for the conditions. Keep a towel and spare clothes either in your car or with you in case of a dunking. Wear a hat in cold weather. Wear gloves. Carry a warm drink and 'energy' foods like chocolate.
• Stay biteless (other than fish bites of course!) Always use a good brand of insect repellent to keep the biting bugs at bay.
• First Aid & Precautions Carry a small first-aid kit with at least some plasters, antiseptic cream or spray and pain killing tablets. NEVER allow a cut, graze or wound to come into contact with untreated water - Weils disease is a killer and can get in through the tiniest break in the skin.

POLE CODE

For your own comfort and safety

Look out: look up! Never start fishing with rod or pole before checking that you are more than 30 metres away from electricity cables. View ALL overhead cables with suspicion. Do not pull directly towards you to free snagged tackle. Apply leverage sideways or away from you to prevent the terminal tackle flying back towards your face. Assemble pole sections safely clear of the waters to ensure that neither you nor an expansive section can fall in, Make sure you fish in a safe and stable position. with everything to hand. Take the weight of long poles across your knees to reduce the risk of back strain, Discarded nylon line and other litter can kill or injure birds and other animals. ALWAYS take it home!

For the comfort and safety of others

1. When fishing canals do not place your pole across the towpath, restricting the access rights of other users. The same applies to park lakes and any other busy places.
2. Ensure that spare pole or sections are positioned parallel to the bank, preferably on a pole rack to allow unobstructed passage for other bank users.
3. When landing fish ensure that your pole can be unshipped without causing similar obstruction.
4. Always ensure that you remove your pole in good time to allow boats to pass.
5. Never allow your pole to encroach onto other people's property - gardens, fences. paths etc - without first obtaining permission.
6. Do not leave your pole unattended with a baited hook in the water. It endangers fish. risks tackle loss and it is against the fishery bylaws.
7. Do not leave a pole unattended with a baited hook out of the water. It could cause suffering to bird life.

WEIL’S DISEASE

What is Weil's Disease? (Leptosprirosis)

• Weil's Disease is an infection carried in rat’s urine which contaminates water and banks of lakes, ponds and rivers. The disease, which is notifiable, is serious and requires hospital treatment.
• Symptoms start 3 to 19 days after exposure to contaminated water.
• Early symptoms are similar to `Flu'
• Later symptoms may include:

  Bruising of the skin
  Sore eyes
  Nose bleeds
  Jaundice

• The disease is curable if recognised in time, but many doctors in urban areas will never have encountered it. If you have any reason to suspect that you may have been infected, you may need to draw your doctor's attention to the possibility that the symptoms could be Weil's Disease. If untreated it can often prove fatal (in 6 out of 10 cases)
• A few sensible precautions
• DO cover with waterproof plaster, or gloves, all scratches, cuts, sores and breaks in the skin. Disinfect any wounds as soon as possible if they occur whilst at the waterside,
• ALWAYS wash your hands or cover food with a wrapper before you eat.
• NEVER put your hand to your mouth after immersion in river water and never place bait or fishing line in the mouth.
• DON'T touch any dead animals, especially rats.

NEVER leave food. groundbait or bait on the bankside.

ALWAYS take home your rubbish.

BE A SAFE ANGLER FISHING RIVERS AND STILL WATERS

• Always tell someone where you are going if fishing alone
• Carry some form of identification including home telephone number
• Beware of slippery and overhanging banks and never fish the approaches to weirs, bridges and locks
• Beware when wading of fast currents and never wade in coloured water - use a wading staff.
• Safety when fishing is a matter of common sense so don't take chances and never assume accidents only happen to other people