Safetyfirst
EVERY year on Scotland’s lochs or rivers, an angler will tragically drown.
So at this time of the year as we prepare to go on to our trout lochs or salmon rivers, I always think it is worthwhile to warn of the dangers.
It is surprising that so many anglers don’t spend £50 or £60 to buy a life preserver which is worn round the neck and inflates automatically when it comes into contact with water.
I was wearing one when I suffered a vertigo attack in the middle of the Spey many years ago. It certainly helped save me.
No salmon or trout is worth risking your life for when a needless tragedy can be avoided.
I’ve fished fast-flowing rivers like the Tay, Spey, Dee and Tweed for decades and the one essential implement I never forget to take with me is a wading stick attached by a lanyard over the shoulder and under the arm.
A stick helps you gauge depth and can tell you whether you are going to step in over the top or wade into a hole. It can be used as a feeler to detect the boulder in front of you which might trip you up, or, as a third leg to help your balance.
What you should never do, however, is wade too deep in situations where if you fall in you will have difficulty in getting out. And if you do get swept away, don’t panic.
The natural reaction if anyone falls in is to gasp, and that sudden intake of air can fill the lungs with water.
Keep your head. You won’t sink because there will be air in your lungs and trapped in your clothing and waders, and of course, in your life preserver.
Get on your back and float down feet first so that your feet will hit off any rocks and not your skull.
As you float, use your arms to paddle into the side and safety. Make sure the studs in your waders aren’t worn and for maximum grip under water, try felt soles with studded heels.
Life preservers should also be worn while fishing from boats.
If there are two or three of you in a boat, sit down at all times to fish unless it’s really calm. If you must stand up, don’t make any sudden movements which could unbalance the angler standing next to you.
Don’t overload a boat with anglers and only use seaworthy ones made for the job.
Above all, never go out if the weather is really bad. It’s not worth it, and if there are signs of the weather deteriorating, head for shore right away.
Another point worth mentioning is the danger of overhead electric cables. There have been cases of anglers being electrocuted, especially if long carbon fibre fly rods come into contact with the wires, or are close enough for electricity to arc on to them.
So whether you are out on river, loch or sea this season, stay safe and don’t become another tragic victim.