Safety

We give here some general advice which may be helpful to you. It is not meant to be exhaustive and cannot cover every situation. So please do not rely on it. Form your own cautious policy of what is sensible and safe, and then stick to it!

Pay attention when wading

• Wherever possible, seek local advice before wading.
• Always wear a life jacket. It should be worn over all other clothing at all times.
• Ensure that your waders are in good condition and the soles are suitable for the type of river bed you will be wading on.
• When using chest waders always wear a wading belt.
• Use a wading staff.
• Be constantly alert for changing water conditions.
• Do not wade in a spate.
• Take your time. Move deliberately and maintain a constant watch for changes in depth, boulders, loose gravel, underwater obstructions and shelving rocks.
• If you do fall in to deep water, try to stay calm. Float on your back with your feet pointing downstream and use your hands to guide you into shallow water. If possible crawl back to the bank before attempting to empty your waders.

Avoid slips and falls

• Be especially careful on steep banks and where undergrowth obscures the ground. Look out for overhanging and unstable banks, deep mud, holes, slippery rocks and boulders.
• Always wear a life jacket when fishing from the bank.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Remember, felt-soled waders can be extremely dangerous on wet grass or on muddy banks.
• Use a wading staff for support.

Don't get hooked

• Always protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or wrap-around sunglasses.
• Wear suitable headgear to protect the ears and to provide further protection for the eyes.
• When casting, pay attention to and make allowances for wind direction and strength.
• Be conscious of the other river users; check behind and around you to ensure that your backcast is clear before making each cast.

Fishing alone

• When fishing alone, leave details with a responsible person of where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans, make sure that the responsible person is advised.
• Always wear a life jacket.

Electricity kills

• Contact or near contact with overhead cables must be avoided. Look out and up for overhead cables for assembling a rod and before fishing begins.
• Carry rods parallel to the ground, never upright or over a shoulder.