On those long lazy school holidays, there’s nothing better than loading up your fishing tackle and heading up stream with a few mates for some good fishing. All that sounds great until you realise the dangers involved – river fishing safety covers many common sense issues such as you should never run near the waters edge all too often the ground is wet and you could easily fall in, if the bank is steep you might have to look for another way out again causing extreme danger not only to you but your friends as well.
If you cut yourself near the waters edge there is a chance that you could catch several diseases 1 of which is Weil’s disease, this is passed on by rat’s urine – it can kill you but more often will make you feel extremely sick and you will require medical attention.
It is always advisable to carry a bottle of clean water, not for drinking but to wash your hands before eating and treat any cuts that you might get while fishing.
Now you have found the perfect spot for fishing or so you think, always check if there any power cables near by! Remember you don’t have to touch the power cables to get a shock as electricity can ‘arc’ (jump) to your wet or damp nylon rod. It is recommended that you are at least 33 yards clear of any electricity pylons or cables.
The following is an extract from health and safety news on 19th August 2009 :
A teenager is being treated in a Birmingham hospital for serious burns after contacting overhead power cables while fishing.
Remember when close to a river or waterway you have to Think! Be Safe.
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