| SAFETY ADVICE |
This is strictly prohibited at all times.
Even on a hot day the water in a reservoir is very cold and this could kill very quickly.
Hidden debris and other hazards amkes it a very dangerous environment for dogs and people alike.
Fishing from the Bank
Avoid wading where possible. There may be underwater hazards.
Use a stake or landing net pole to feel your way.
Wear them at all times if available. These will increase your footing considerably and help reduce slipping.
Your waders can be used as a flotation aid if you bring your knees up to your chin. If your waders fill with water it is surprisingly easy to kick them off. If fishing around particularly deep or dangerous areas wear a flotation aid.
Do you know which areas are particularly dangerous for wading? Look in the appropriate fishing information leaflet or ask at the Club Hut for further information.
Do not take short cuts across areas of mud exposed by the fall in water level. If you do get stuck try to work your way back the way you came.
Always be aware of your surroundings and look behind you when about to cast — you may be about to injure someone else or you may be close to overhead cables or other obstacles.
Wear sunglasses, your normal glasses or other eye protection to help prevent possible injury by flying hooks when you are casting.
Fishing from a Boat
We strongly advise you to wear a flotation aid.
Try and get out of the water as quickly as possible. Hold on to the boat even if it has capsized. It will act as a life raft and you will be seen more easily. Holding the transom (rear) of the boat is the most stabile place
If the boat has an engine, stop it when you are close, either passing them the end of the oar or, if you need to throw them a rope — use the free end of the anchor rope. Do not throw the anchor, keep tha inside the boat at all times.
If the boat is not full of water it is possible to get back in — BUT... always attempt re-entry at the back of the boat, not the sides. You will find it easier to get back in if you make a short loop of stirrup (about 2 feet long) from the rope fitted to the boat. Make sure the rope is tied to the boat and drop the loop over the side. You can then put your foot in the loop and heave yourself back into the boat fairly easily. It is easier to do this if you have assistance from within the boat, but you can also do it on your own.
If you have fallen in make sure you keep warm once you are out of the water. Immediately return to shore. Reduce heat loss as when you return ashore by putting on any spare clothing and use the Club House to warm yourself or you companion. It is easy to suffer from exposure if you are wet in a cold wind.
Don't wear them — you could slip in glass fibre boats.
Make for the nearest bank or sheltered water and wait for conditions to improve or walk back. Do not take chances.
Fishing from a standing position in a boat is unsafe and should be avoided. Two anglers standing up fishing is even more hazardous. You'll most likely catch just as many fish sitting down while avoiding the additional risk.
Alcohol and water is a dangerous combination. Enjoy a drink but don't let it impair your judgement. Better still — only have a drink after you have been fishing — but not if you have to drive of course.
Find out what is wrong and help if you can but don't put your own safety at risk. Report it to someone who can help or the emergency services as soon as possible.
Always be aware of your surroundings and look around you when about to cast — you may be near another boat or obstacle or your companion is also in mid-cast.
Wear sunglasses, your normal glasses or other eye protection to help prevent possible injury by flying hooks when you are casting.
Fish Stocking
On days when fish stocking occur, we ask that anglers avoid fishing in the surrounding vicinity where the stocking is taking place. On some occasions, we may ask you to move to accomodate this event and ask for your co-operation.
