Health and safety

Health and Safety

General Information

This document is provided for your own Health & Safety whilst fishing on WADAA Waters, please read carefully:

Whilst Angling

  • Keep well clear of others that are casting. If you need to approach or pass others that are casting, make them aware of your presence as you approach.
  • Always wear glasses to protect your eyes.
  • Juniors must be under constant supervision, and both juniors and beginners should be instructed in the correct use of their equipment. They must be warned about the dangers of back casting.
  • All anglers should be mindful of back casting and other anglers who may be passing above and behind.
  • Beware fishing hooks are sharp, and lines can cut deep.
  • Pay due care and attention at all times.
  • Be courteous to other anglers when entering and leaving the water.
  • Observe signs on gates before entering site and ensure gates are closed behind you.

Electricity

  • Do not touch any electric fencing.
  • Always keep well clear of overhead power lines.
  • In the event of electrocution to anglers from power lines keep at least 30metres away and call 999/112.

  Slips Trips and Falls

  • Be cautious and watch your footing in the water and on the riverbanks. Beware of undercut banks and steep drop-offs.
  • Be aware of slippery rocks and hazards, particularly in poor weather conditions.
  • Take care crossing bridges, particularly on uneven or slippery ground, or where guard rails are low.
  • Plan the route, watch footing and wear adequate footwear with ankle support, where possible stick to the designated foot paths.
  • Be mindful of wet and icy weather conditions which may make the banks or Dams very slippery, all anglers must self-assess before attempting to fish from any steep banking which may pose a risk of injury while fishing on the dams Wear suitable footwear with ankle support.
  • Always ensure that fishing is permitted from the Dams at any of our reservoirs before you commence fishing.
  • Always obey club/waterside signage.

 Protection from the Weather

  • Do not fish or walk with a fishing rod in the air during electrical storms.
  • It is always a good idea to take a 1 person First Aid kit and a mobile phone (but don’t expect it to work in all areas).
  • Ensure you have informed people of where you intend to fish and an expected time you are to return.
  • Do not fish during thunder storms.
Protection from Animals, Insects and Vegetation

  • Keep well clear of wasp, hornet nests and beehives. Wear insect repellent to deter biting bugs.
  • Where possible avoid fields with cows and young calves, bulls and farm dogs.
  • Do not touch snakes.
  • Do not place hands into any burrow or hole in stone walls and/or banks.
  • Check your body for ticks immediately after returning from walking through fields.

If you notice you have a tick/s attached to your skin and you feel confident in the removal of them then you could at

your own choice, if not then you should visit either your own GP or A&E department.

If you experience swelling or tenderness notice a rash or experience a fever after you have attempted to remove the tick yourself you should seek medical advice from your doctor.

  • Wash your hands as soon as possible after fishing and before eating, drinking or smoking.
  • Cover all wounds with waterproof plasters and wash all new cuts with clean soap and water before covering with a waterproof plaster.
  • Do not touch any part of Giant Hogweed (unless wearing protective gloves). Do not lick or chew any plant or eat unidentified berries or fungi.
  • Care must be taken while fishing waters that have a bright blue-green algal scum. If contact is made with such scum, wash off immediately.
  • Report all instances of unexplained fever or general feeling unwell to your doctor if the symptoms start to show after your fishing trip.

   Fishing from Boats, Kayaks or Float Tubes

Members using their own vessels on any WADAA water, where vessels are permitted, must ensure the following:

  • Life jacket or other floatation device must be worn whilst on the water.
  • The life jacket or similar, must be regularly serviced.
  • The vessel is fit for purpose.
  • Properly maintained.
  • No standing up whilst on the water.
  • Mobile phone must be carried whilst on the water.
  • Juniors from 11 years old can fish from a boat or kayak, if they are accompanied by an adult over 21.
  • Please ensure that the wind speed does not exceed 25 mph, before launching your vessel or return to the shore if the weather deteriorates.
  • Fishing from any such vessel is at your own risk.

 For full details of the club’s Health & Safety policy and rules, please go to our Health & Safety Policy and Club Rules