IFI issues reminder to anglers on water safety guidelines
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines on the water and to be aware of potential dangers and risks.
Anglers are also reminded to follow HSE and government advice regarding physical distancing and outdoor gatherings.
According to the latest figures from Water Safety Ireland, a total of 105 people drowned in Irish waters last year. Of those 105 drownings, 80 were male and 25 were female.
Over the last 10 years, 1,200 people drowned in Ireland – an average of 10 every month – with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in cooler water with hidden currents that impair the ability to swim and float.
As angling is a water-based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. IFI is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners.
While wearing a life jacket on a boat is mandatory, IFI would advise anglers to wear one when on or near water.
Anglers are asked to follow some additional simple safety tips when going fishing:
- Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices
- Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank
- Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go
- Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing
- Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going
- Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Suzanne Campion, head of business development at IFI, said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland and many of these anglers have been fishing for years and may feel experienced being near or on the water. However, we would appeal to anglers to follow simple safety steps at all times.
“Under current conditions, anglers that are fishing are being reminded to adhere to IFI’s angling guidelines. Government advice to stop the spread of coronavirus is 'Be Responsible, Be Safe'.
“Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water – Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety inland and at sea alongside important information regarding tides, currents, what to wear and what to bring.
“We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling.”
Speaking about safety precautions with regard to overhead electricity wires, Arthur Byrne, public safety manager at ESB Networks, stated: “We would like to remind the public to keep a safe distance from overhead electricity wires. Coming close to these live wires is extremely hazardous and can be fatal.
“ESB Networks asks anglers to never fish or cast where there are overhead wires nearby as coming close to electricity wires with something you are holding puts you at risk of electric shock or electrocution.”
In case of an emergency, the ESB Networks emergency number is 1800 372 999 and further information is available at www.esbnetworks.ie/stayingsafe.
IFI, meanwhile, has a detailed guide to safety at www.fishinginireland.info, where free copies of the information leaflet Safety on the Water – Angling Safety Checklist and more detailed publication Safety on the Water – Angling Safety Guidelines can both be downloaded.