Source: RNLI
Last year 11 sea anglers tragically lost their lives while fishing in the UK and the RNLI responded to over 1,200 incidents involving anglers.
The RNLI is working with bait and tackle shops to pilot a Retail Ambassador Scheme, in which the charity helps the shops give their customers safety advice.
Chris Adams, RNLI Coastal Safety Manager, said:
“The fine line between rescue and tragedy only goes to highlight the importance of raising awareness of the risks involved in the sport. Our new scheme helps shops take a lead role in protecting anglers by providing relevant local safety advice and information to their angling communities.
It is not about preventing people fishing from rocks or exposed shorelines, but helping them take the right steps to enjoy their sport safely. We’re asking people to reduce their chances of getting into trouble by preparing for the possibility that they might – that way we hope anglers will be ready in case the worst happens.”
The scheme encourages anglers to take simple precautions to protect themselves while enjoying their sport. It also covers what to do if the worst happens and they end up in the water; how to call for help and what to do in those crucial minutes between falling in the water and the lifeboat arriving.
There are some simple things that anglers can do to keep themselves safe:
• If you’re fishing from a boat or from exposed or rocky shoreline, wear a lifejacket
• Check the weather and tides before you head out
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back
• Carry a means of calling for help
• If you’re fishing from a boat, keep it well maintained, check your engine and carry spare fuel.
