TOP SAFETY TIPS
Useful advice on how to make safety your number one priority this winter
Sound advice for winter fishing.
While many water enthusiasts put their gear into storage at the first sign of cold weather, anglers gear up to brave the elements in search of cod. Winter, of course, brings the potential for more bad weather, which can present dangers for sea anglers. A recent study showed that between 2007 and 2016, some 19 per cent of the fatalities in UK waters happened in angling.
Here, keen angler and HM Coastguard’s national drowning prevention officer, James Robertson, recommends six potentially life-saving tips…
1 WEAR A LIFEJACKET
A lifejacket is not only an emergency device, it’s your best friend at the water and needs to be thought of as a standard piece of clothing worn all the times.
A well-fitting lifejacket/flotation device, worn correctly by shore and boat anglers, will provide precious survival time until help arrives. Lifejackets are often light and unrestrictive and range from fishing vests with integral gas inflation to slimline horseshoe jackets.
An auto-inflate lifejacket will work even if you are unconscious and it is the only item that will keep your head above the water. While flotation suits offer buoyancy, they are not designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water so are not recommended as a primary lifesaving aid.
If you do find yourself in the water, you need to raise the alarm. You can buy lifejackets and flotation suits fitted with whistles and lights to attract attention. They also can be fitted with a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) allowing rescuers to pinpoint where you are.
2 CHECK THE CONDITIONS
Check the weather forecast and be aware of what impacts a sudden change in the weather could have on your fishing mark.
A change in wind direction can turn a safe fishing mark into a treacherous venue. Listen to local knowledge, look for safe entry and exit points, and be wary of a rising tide that could cut you off.
Be aware of onshore winds, extreme tidal surges, heavy swells/surf running, and slippery footpaths after rainfall, and rock marks that are harder to negotiate. Wearing warm, waterproof clothing, studded footwear and a lifejacket could mitigate these factors.
3 KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED
Before setting off, tell someone where you are going and what time you’ll be back. Use the RYA SafeTrx app (https://safetrx. rya.org.uk/login.html) that monitors your journey and alerts your emergency contacts should you fail to arrive on time. The app allows you to contact HM Coastguard.
4 CLIFF-TOP FISHING
Most of the cliffs around the UK are crumbling, and intense rainfall makes them more vulnerable. Avoid standing on the edge of cliffs, be vigilant and don’t fish from cliff overhangs. If fishing from underneath a cliff, stand at least the height of the cliff away.
5 ALERTING THE COASTLINE
Take responsibility for your own safety. The best way to contact HM Coastguard in an emergency is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Store your phone in a drybag or see-through plastic wallet to keep it dry and working. Make sure it is fully charged.
Ideally, have multiple means of alerting the Coastguard if you get into difficulty. A personal locator beacon (PLB) with a builtin receiver, and waterproof, handheld VHF radio are recommended.
Avoid fishing alone in remote spots. If fishing at night, take more than one light. You can always use your light (even from your mobile phone) to alert someone on shore. HM Coastguard also welcomes check calls.
James said: “Give us a call before you set out to inform us of your plans so that we can log them. In the event of someone raising an emergency, we have the relevant information to hand.”
6 USE A THROWLINE
Throw lines should be an important part of your safety kit. There should be enough rope to cover the distance between you and the water, and the rope should be free from knots and loops.
Throw bags are designed to be coiled up inside a floating bag, with differing rope lengths and diameters to cater for all eventualities. Light and easily stored, throw lines can be purchased for under £50. ■