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It is a requirement of fishing on R&DAS waters that anglers read, understand and follow these safety guidelines.
All anglers should make themselves aware of the risks they face on the society’s waters. Anglers should carry out their own risk assessment at each visit and take appropriate action to ensure their own safety and that of others. This should include, but not necessarily be restricted to, an assessment of the items listed below.
Drowning
Water is inherently dangerous and there is always a risk of drowning. It is recommended that a buoyancy aid is always worn when on, in or near water.
Paths and Banks
These may be unstable, irregular and/or slippery. Beware of undercuts, irregularities and instability in banks; especially near deep water.
Fences
Avoid crossing fences, walls and similar obstructions, except at approved access points. These obstructions may be unstable and have sharp edges that can cause cuts, or have a risk of trapping body parts. Where possible use stiles and gates, but be aware that these may be unstable and in poor conditions with risks of collapse, cuts or injury. Even when in good condition there is a danger of tripping and falling. Be especially careful of barbed wire.
Wading
Take particular care when wading in deep or fast water and on irregular or slippery bottoms. It is recommended that you use a wading staff and a floatation device at all times. River levels can rise very rapidly and unpredictably in response to distant weather conditions.
Power lines
Avoid fishing in the vicinity of power lines. Carbon fibre fishing rods are excellent conductors of electricity. Even if the rod does not touch the cables the electricity may arc over considerable distances. If a fishing rod is used in proximity of a power line there is a significant risk of a fatal electric shock.
Casting
Always show consideration to others users on the bank. Avoid contacting anyone with your back-cast. It is recommended protective headgear and eyewear is worn when fishing.
Hooks / Flies
Hooks easily penetrate the skin and can cause significant injury and carry germs. Caution should be used when casting or when handling hooks. Rusty hooks should be avoided.
Weighted Flies
Weighted flies can be difficult to control when casting. Extreme caution should be exercised when casting weighted flies to ensure they do not cause injury to yourselves or others.
Trees
Fishing under trees can be unsafe in windy conditions. Beware of falling branches.
Animals
Bulls can be dangerous, as can bullocks and cows with calves. Avoid all animals where possible and treat with caution.
Weil’s Disease
This is potentially fatal and can be present in water that has been contaminated by rat’s urine. Never put wet lines in your mouth or any other items of tackle that has been in the water.
Sewage
There may also be a risk in some waters from sewage effluent. Wear waterproof plasters on any cuts or abrasions. Never put wet lines in your mouth or any other items of tackle that has been in the water.
Plants
Some plants can be a significant risk to health; most notably Giant Hogweed, whose sap can cause severe burning of the skin.
Anglers should report anything they perceive to be a safety concern, whether it be a broken stile, a landslip, a tree showing signs of a likely fall, fly tipped hazardous waste material or other observations deemed to be a risk to fellow anglers.
No-one should attempt to tackle a safety risk if they feel it may endanger their own safety or if they feel unqualified to tackle.
We strongly recommend all anglers download the "what3words" app on their smartphones and learn how to use it BEFORE fishing. The app provides a unique, 3 word reference to your location that can be shared with emergency services. Remember, many of our locations are remote and very difficult to describe verbally, especially if you are in a distressed situation. We also use what3words to help you find specific locations on our waters. You can download it for free on both the Apple and Google app stores.
It is recommended that all anglers should wear head and eye protection at all times, and a flotation device as appropriate.
Anglers should fish with a companion when possible.
Anglers should leave details of their planned itinerary and time of return with someone.
The society accepts no liability for any injury or damage that anglers suffer or cause.
It is a condition of permission to fish that the angler accept liability for any injury or damage to themselves, others or property.
Click the link below to read the Society's Health and Safety Policy .
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