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STAYWISE

Staying Safe...

Water and the waters’ edge can be dangerous and often the hazard is not obvious.

Running
Never run around the venue as you could slip or trip and fall into the water. You will also disturb other anglers and decrease your chances of catching fish. Always walk and look out for trip hazards such as tree roots, uneven ground, wet and slippery paths.


Overhead Power Cables
Anglers should also be aware of any overhead power cables. You must keep at least 30 metres (nearly 33 yards) away from them, as most rods and damp nylon lines are good conductors of electricity and there is also a danger of electricity arcing from these cables.


Swimming
If you can’t swim then avoid fishing in deep water. If you fell in here and couldn’t get a hold of the bank you would be in serious trouble. To reduce the risk of falling / slipping fish on a level bank by shallower water. If you do fish in deep water swims then be aware of the possible dangers around you like unstable banks, slippery tree roots and so on.


Rivers
When a river is in flood or 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.


Cold Weather
In the winter the temperature on a river or lake bank can be very cold. Make sure that you wear plenty of layers of clothing or thermal wear. Hats are a must because you can lose a lot of heat through the top of 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.


Weil’s Disease
Rats can pass on Weil’s disease via their urine. This disease can kill, but more commonly will make you extremely sick and will require medical intervention. There are several things you can do to avoid getting this disease. These include dressing any wounds and cuts, keeping your hands clean and away from your mouth and always wash your hands before eating (but do not use the river or lake water to do so).