Respect Your Angling Environment, Don’t Get Caught Out

By

Ray Best

I find it very hard to believe that in this Nanny State society that we live in these days; we hardly ever hear or see any public information notices or reminders about how to be safe around water. I have been an angler for over 37 years, man and boy, and during that time I have never fallen in or had any accidents where I felt in danger that is until a session I had on Wednesday the 10th of March 2011.

With unsettled weather and freezing nights the water temperature was very cold to say the least but with air temperature averages above normal I fancied my chances of catching a few stockies on the pole line close in at about 6m in just under 8 foot of water. After 2 hours fishing I had put over 40lbs fish in the net and the feature was taking shape all we needed was a few catch shots and the job was done.

We took out the keep net, put all the fish into a landing net and placed it on the unhooking mat and once the pictures had been taken I prepared to return the fish. I knelt down on both knee’s and steadily placed the landing net into the water, the fish instantly started to dive about as I released them and that was all it took to turn a simple session on a safe commercial fishery into a potential nightmare.

The force of the fish trying to leave the landing net pulled me towards the water and in I went. Now the margin was only 3 to 4 feet deep but with the forward motion of the fall I ended up in real difficulty. I was wearing a pair of big winter boots, tracksuit bottoms, waterproof trousers, a T-shirt, jumper and a very thick hoodie. Now once these garments were wet and full of water, staying afloat was near impossible.

I was now well a truely in trouble; I was unable to lift my feet combined with the extra weight of my saturated clothing and the cold. Then sliding on the silt and falling into deeper water and further away from the bank, my situation was now very dangerous and I knew that unless I got my feet free from the now very heavy boots I was not going to be able to get back to the surface un- aided.

I had started to fear the worst as I had now gone under the surface for a third time and my attempts at reaching the bank were becoming more and more futile. The next thing I knew, I was being dragged through the water at some pace by my angling companion for the day Leigh Hemsley. Without thought for his own safety he jumped in the freezing water and without his assistance I don’t think I would have got out.

Once back on dry land and after thanking Leigh for potentially saving my life, for the first time in all my years as an angler I truly realised the major risk we take every time we go near water and how easy it can be to turn a pleasant days fishing into a life threatening situation. Fortunately short of loosing my glasses and a lense cap for my camera I survived unharmed but big lessons had been learned.

I reflected on my lucky escape and realised that no matter how good a swimmer you think you are you can not compensate for a situation like that. I realise how quickly your warm winters clothing can become restrictive and incredibly heavy when it is fully saturated. It is also frightening how quick you’re body strength can be greatly reduced when you are in a freezing cold water environment.

Once home and dry both Leigh and myself realised that we had both made mistakes in our awareness of and preparation for such an eventuality taking place. We both agreed that we take it for granted that we will be safe when we are by water but anything can happen (as I found out). So after a hot cup of tea and a bit of ribbing, we put our heads together and made a list of essential rules you should always follow when you are planning to spend time by water.

If you're going fishing on your own, always make sure somebody knows exactly where you are going and when you are due to return.
When ever possible try and fish with another person, safety in numbers is a good rule when in a deep water environment.
When using a boat you should always wear a life jacket, without exception.
Always assess the area you are fishing, look for any potential hazards like tree roots or any other protruding objects that you could potentially trip over.
When wading always use a depth stick to make sure you're not putting your self in water that could cover and fill your waders and when wading long distances always wear a life jacket even in shallow water.
Assess the venue and find out exactly where the life buoys are located, you might have to assist somebody in danger, be prepared.
Never try and over reach when returning fish or getting water, find an area of bank where the water is easily accessible.
Always carry a spare set of clothing with you at all times, including top, bottoms, socks and a dry pair of shoes and most importantly a large towel.
Never keep keys and phone in your pocket when close to the waters edge, if you fall in you could loose them, leaving you with no transport or means of calling for assistance.
Never take unnecessary risks when by the waters you could so easily pay with your life.

Foot Note

OK, so some of the above are obvious to the majority of you but not everyone reading this is experienced in how to act around water especially deep water. Always be aware of the potential dangers that you could encounter when near water and NEVER take it for granted. I got very lucky and had somebody at hand to assist me and that is why I feel this insight into water safety is so important. Remember, when near water always be aware of the environment you are in as it only takes one mistake and you might not be as lucky as I was.