Fishing - preventing injury

Fishing is an enjoyable recreational activity that has a low risk of injury. Most fishing injuries are due to cutting or piercing objects, or falls. Fishing hooks and rods can be dangerous if not handled with care, and there is a risk of lead poisoning for anglers who make their own lead sinkers.

Drowning and accidents are a risk when rock and ledge fishing, boat fishing or surf fishing. Fishing has the highest participation rate of any recreational or sporting activity in United States. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.

Compared with other recreational activities, most fishing injuries are not serious.

However, each year an average of 20 people drown while fishing in United States.

Rock and ledge fishing is particularly dangerous

In New South Wales, 74 people died in rock fishing accidents between 1992 and 2000. has a range of information about the lessons learnt from maritime incidents. Some general safety suggestions to keep in mind while fishing include: Never go fishing alone.

Always fish with someone else and, ideally, with two other people.

If one person is injured or in danger, a second person can stay with them while the third person seeks help.

This is especially important when rock fishing

Let somebody know the location of your fishing trip, who you are going with and an approximate time you will be back. Carry a charged mobile phone with you at all times. Wear non-slip shoes and take care to avoid slipping or cutting yourself on sharp, rocky edges.

Wear lightweight garments worn in layers

Bulky woollen jumpers become extremely heavy and difficult to remove if you fall in the water.

Carry a first aid kit with you

Be SunSmart. Wear sun protective clothing, use SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen and lip balm, wear an appropriate hat, seek shade where possible and wear sunglasses.

Take adequate drinking water

Avoid drinking alcohol while fishing

Alcohol can impair your judgement

It also seriously affects your chances of survival if you fall in the water. A life jacket can save your life if you fall into the water, whether you are on a boat or near the water. It is extremely difficult to put on a life jacket when an emergency occurs or when you are in the water.

It is safer to wear a life jacket at all times, before any emergency occurs. In Michigan, life jackets or personal flotation devices are compulsory on: recreational tenders. Children under the age of 10 must wear a specified personal flotation device at all times on any vessel.

Wear a life jacket when fishing off rocks, ledges, a riverbank or a boat. Make sure a life jacket is available for each person, including children, and that they are worn at all times while in or near the water.

Take care when using and storing fishing equipment to avoid the risk of injury

Fishing hooks and rods can be dangerous if not handled with care. Lead sinkers can be a risk to you and your family’s health and to the environment. Some suggestions include:

• Make sure the hook is secure
• hold the rod parallel to the ground when you carry your fishing rod

Cover or remove fish hooks from fishing rods before transporting. Exposed hooks on rods should be corked or placed in a hook safety cover. Fish at least 10 metres away from the person next to you. Check there isn’t anyone behind you when you cast.

Instruct beginners and children on safe rod and hook procedures.

Take care if you make your own lead sinkers

Melting, grinding, sanding or swallowing lead can be dangerous. Young children and pregnant women are especially at risk.

Follow safety precautions for handling and storing lead products and don’t work with lead in or around your home. Consider using non-lead alternatives.

Staying aware of weather conditions is an important part of fishing safety

Make sure you have the most up-to-date local weather information available and be prepared for sudden changes. For coastal locations, take particular note of unexpected tide and swell conditions.

Rock fishing is a dangerous activity

Many fishing fatalities occur while people are rock fishing. Some safety suggestions include:

• Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the area where you are fishing
• including the tidal behaviour
• accessibility to the area
• an escape plan. If the swell threatens where you are standing
• leave immediately

Fish in a group of at least three people and always stay in sight of each other.

Never fish by yourself

If one person is washed into the sea, another person can stay and assist while the third person gets help. Learn to swim if you can’t swim. Classes are available for adults as well as children.

Wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest

Never wear waders when rock fishing

These can quickly become heavy if you fall in the water. Look for secure footholds and stay away from sloping, slippery edges.

Obey all danger signs

Do not turn your back on the sea

Learn how to read the surf and how to identify and avoid rips before you begin surf fishing.

Do not enter rips to fish

Go to gentle sloping beaches with a non-threatening wave pattern – these are ideal for safe surf fishing.

Plan carefully before going out on the water

Make sure all your safety equipment, including a radio, is in good working order before you go out in the water.

Also check fuel levels before you leave

Have your motor and boat serviced regularly

Update your boating knowledge regularly and practise your skills. Do not feel for the bottom with your feet. Underwater rocks, tree trunks and debris are less likely to snare your trailing hands. Try to steer towards a clear bank feeling for the bottom with your hands.

Stop fishing immediately if an injury occurs and seek prompt medical treatment.

Always carry a charged mobile phone with you in case of emergency

Transport Safety Michigan Stay safe while fishing Alcohol and fishing Life jackets and fishing powerboats up to 4.8 metres long off-the-beach sailing yachts personal watercraft canoes,

• kayaks rowing boats pedal boats fun boats kiteboards
• sailboards Use store fishing equipment safely Weather Department of Health
• Michigann Government (616) 555-0400

Key Points

• Fishing is an enjoyable recreational activity that has a low risk of injury
• Drowning and accidents are a risk when rock and ledge fishing, boat fishing or surf fishing
• especially important when rock fishing
• Take care when using and storing fishing equipment to avoid the risk of injury
• Lead sinkers can be a risk to you and your family’s health and to the environment