Geoff Maynard and I were just pulling-up in the Rav when we noticed a bedraggled and clearly distressed fella staggering across the field toward us, waving his arms. We vacated the vehicle immediately and went to his aid. A young lad had capsized his canoe and was now laid-out on the shingle, suffering the effects of hyperthermia. He wasn’t just cold but actually finding it difficult to breathe. I immediately phoned for an ambulance and spent long minutes describing the problem and my whereabouts to the operator – but when would help arrive, I asked. To my surprise, she said it had been despatched within seconds of receiving my call and that it should be with us very soon. As she spoke I became aware of the thud of a ‘copter blade but I attached no significance to it until I saw the craft come over the hillside pines and descend in our direction – now that was quick!
Within fifteen minutes the boy was airborne and on his way to hospital, leaving Geoff and I to chat with his party of fellow paddlers. None of them was carrying a mobile for fear of capsizing and getting it wet! Discussing the obvious failings of this precaution was pointless as everyone was now only too aware of their folly, but the point was made that a simple, sealable plastic pouch would do a perfect job of keeping one’s phone safe in the event of submersion.
How many of us anglers take such a step to ensure contact with the outside world if an emergency arises? It very easily could be a matter of life or death for any fisherman anywhere, but for those fishing spate-rivers with notoriously unstable, high banks the importance of a phone cannot be over-stated. As a life-long angler, I’m fully aware of the power of water: as a youngster I watched the River Medway turn to runny chocolate and rise to cover the arches of Yalding Bridge in the space of two hours. Whole trees, sheep and all manner of large, bulky items were slammed against the brickwork and that was enough for me to adopt a keen and life-long sense of respect for my recreational environment. But it’s only since the incident I cover here that I’ve taken to water-proofing my phone. You can, of course, purchase sturdy, purpose-made phone wallets but even a Pilgrim’s Choice bag will do the job (Other cheese containers are available)
So…just a well-intentioned FM reminder to keep safe. Try not to fall-in in the first place!
Editor.
