Health and Safety in Fishing

While fishing on the river or one of its tributaries, there are a considerable number of potential problems which may be encountered. Only so many of these can be anticipated and it is clearly impossible to list every single risk as certain circumstances can be totally unforeseen.

Check with the ghillie or river manager at the beginning of your day's fishing for all known risks at the specific venue. Much of the responsibility for your safety lies with you, so take care, move slowly and above all, use common sense at all times. Below are some of the more common risks associated with fishing and while some may appear obvious, they should be borne in mind at all times.

At the River Side
When walking to/from or beside a river, loch, jetty, pontoon or platform, try only to use obvious paths where available. Beware of undercuts in banks especially near deep water. Stone or mud banks and walls can be slippery, steep and uneven - move slowly with caution.

Steps, Stiles, and Fences.
Steps can be very slippery. Take extreme caution especially on steep bankings or when entering old stone boathouses. Always take care when negotiating stiles, crossing bridges and climbing fences, which may be slippery and potentially unsound. Beware of barbed wire. Electric fences which are used for the control of animals and can periodically discharge high voltages. Contact may result in a painful electric shock, or worse.

Wading
Take particular care when wading in deep or fast water and on rocky bottoms. It is recommended that you use a wading staff and wading belt at all times, and a life preserver is recommended. Do not enter the water if the river level is very high and be aware of the risk of quickly rising water or flash flooding. Felt-soled waders offer excellent grip on stone or gravel but are very slippery on mud or wet grass.

Falling In Water
Falling in the water may cause drowning. It is recommended a buoyancy aid is worn at all times when on, in or near water. Care should be taken when retrieving a dropped item.

Power Lines
Do not fish under or near power lines. Electricity can arc over considerable distances. While standing in water, you are earthed and will act as a conductor of electricity resulting in possible electrocution. Carbon fibre rods are also good conductors of electricity as are fly lines coated in water, and therefore dangerous near electrical sources.

Lightning
If lightning occurs, you are earthed while standing in water and therefore at risk of being electrocuted. A carbon fibre rod is also a good conductor of electricity putting you in danger. Wherever you are fishing, put your rods down horizontally somewhere safe and take shelter ideally in a car, building or hut but not under trees.

Casting
Always be aware of other people on a bank by avoiding hitting anyone with your back-cast/flies. If you are on a boat, take extra care if you have other occupants whilst casting. A peaked hat is recommended and glasses must be worn when fishing at all times to protect your eyes from hooks. Spectators should always stand behind an angler while casting.

Hooks/Flies/Weighted Flies
Hooks are sharp and can easily penetrate the skin. Their use brings them into contact with bacteria etc that can be injurious to health. Caution should be used when handling hooks. Rusty hooks should be avoided at all times. Weighted flies cause unpredictable movement of the leader when casting. Extreme caution should be exercised when casting weighted flies to ensure they do not come into contact with you, fellow anglers or members of the public.