Inland Fisheries Ireland issues reminder to anglers on water safety guidelines
Media Release
Inland Fisheries Ireland issues reminder to anglers on water safety guidelines
While advising anglers to adhere to Public Health Measures
Thursday, 30th of July 2020: Inland Fisheries Ireland 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 the 105 drownings last year, 80 were male and 25 were female. Over the last ten 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 impairs the ability to swim and float.
As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland 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 Inland Fisheries Ireland would advise anglers to wear one when on or near water. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:
- Wear a life jacket
- 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 Inland Fisheries Ireland 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 these 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 in regard to overhead electricity wires, Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager at ESB Networks said: “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 or if you see something unusual please stay clear and immediately call the ESB Networks emergency number: 1800 372 999. Further information is available at: www.esbnetworks.ie/stayingsafe. ”
Inland Fisheries Ireland has a detailed guide to safety at http://www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm. You can also download a free copy of the information leaflet Safety on the Water – Angling Safety Checklist at http://www.fishinginireland.info/pdf/AnglingsafetyChecklist.pdf and more detailed publication Safety on the Water – Angling Safety Guidelines at http://www.fishinginireland.info/pdf/AnglingSafetyGuidelines.pdf .
ENDS
For more information:
Sadhbh O’Neill
Communications Assistant
Inland Fisheries Ireland
E: sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie
T: 01 8842632/ 087 101 9998
Notes to Editor
The law requires that a Personal Flotation Device must be worn:
- By anyone on an open craft under seven metres in length
- By anyone on deck on a craft that is under seven metres in length
- By anyone under the age of 16 on board an open craft or on deck of any other type of craft
ESB Networks
ESB Networks is reminding everyone to always keep a safe distance from overhead electricity lines.
Electricity wires are always live and never safe to touch or come close too.
Electricity can jump gaps so always keep a safe distance.
Never cast or fish where there are overhead wires nearby.
Coming into contact with electricity wires with something you are holding puts you at risk of electric shock or electrocution.
In an emergency, contact ESB Networks on 1800 372 999
Take a minute to remind yourself, your family and other anglers of these important safety messages:
- Watch out for overhead electricity wires when angling and move to a safer location.
- Where there are popular locations and you have concerns about electricity wires, contact ESB Networks for advice.
- The ESB Networks emergency number is 1800 372 999
If something happens or you see something unusual, stay clear and immediately call the ESB Networks emergency number: 1800 372 999.
Further information is available at: www.esbnetworks.ie/stayingsafe
Always stay safe, stay clear of electricity wires.
IFI Guidance to Anglers
All Anglers
Follow up-to-date Government advice, however changes to Government advice may result in amendments to this information. Currently, we strongly advise the suspension of all angling competitions involving international competitors. To stay safe, anglers should follow public health guidelines:
STAY home if you have symptoms
Physical Distancing 2m
Boat Anglers: Max 2 persons in small boats to comply with physical distancing (unless from same household). Remember to maintain physical distancing on board and at slipways and access points.
Guides & Ghillies
Refer to Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’.
- Maintain physical distancing at all times.
- Use a dummy rod set up to explain techniques, no sharing of cars or equipment.
- Ensure one person ties all knots, lands all fish and handles their own equipment only.
- Weighing and/or photographing of fish should be carried out with physical distancing.
- All payments should be made electronically where possible.
- Charter Boat Owners
Refer to the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’.
- Limit number of passengers to allow for physical distancing, no passengers allowed in wheelhouse.
- Provide hand sanitiser and encourage passengers to use it.
- No sharing of equipment. Hire rods should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before and after use.
- All payments should be made electronically where possible.
About Inland Fisheries Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. Inland Fisheries Ireland promotes supports, facilitates and advises the Minister on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling. Inland Fisheries Ireland also develops policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling and advises the Minister on same.
