Getting on a boat to sail out for fishing is always an exciting feeling, especially for novice anglers. While there are ordinary precautions and protocols (charters) to ensure safety, the sea is still a wild and open environment. Untoward incidents can happen anytime on a fishing trip, so it pays to give a little more attention to guarantee a safe, enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
Drowning
Drowning is perhaps the most fatal risk of fishing. In Australia, for instance, about 20 people drown while fishing each year. In Canada, 5,900 water-related deaths have been recorded from 1991 to 2000 - 889 of this number died from fishing. According to the Globe and Mail, more fishers drown than swimmers, and more fishers die than canoeists, kayakers, power boaters, scuba divers and sailors combined.
How do we prevent drowning? While there are certainly a number of factors to see in the picture, the immediate precaution is to learn how to swim. Whatever circumstance leads an angler to the unfortunate situation of falling off his boat, the ability to stay calm, conserve energy and swim to safety are essential skills to master.
Sunburn
Fisherman, especially those joining charters, are encouraged to bring sun protection mechanisms to prevent integumentary irritation. The sun gives off three wavelengths of ultraviolet light: (1) UVA, (2) UVB and (3) UVC. Ultraviolet light has seriously damaging effects, one of which is DNA alteration, which leads to premature aging, and in worse scenarios, skin cancer.
Preventing sunburn is all about keeping track of time and wearing the appropriate skin protection. Rays are usually strongest between 10AM and 4PM, so it is important to be vigilant of one’s exposure. Treat all exposed areas of your skin with sunscreen, noting the amount of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). The greater the SPF, the better.
Bleeding
Anglers can cut their skin while preparing baits and lures, or while doing other activities that require handling of fishing equipment. The most common way to bleed is often getting stuck with a hook. The unfortunate result is of course, bleeding, which can be prevented by taking extra care. Knowledge with proper handling and management of tools is necessary to ensure not only a successful catch, but freedom from injury as well.
Slipping
Accidents such as slipping on boats are not rare, especially when the floor is wet. This can be scary as falls can lead to musculo-skeletal anomalies and worse, head injuries. One way of preventing slipping is by wearing slip-proof footgear. Motion sickness, another condition experienced by many boat riders, could also be a cause for slipping; taking precautionary meds to prevent this feeling can also help.
When damage has been done, treatment comes to picture, making first aid kits very valuable. Ensure that it contains gauze pads, antiseptics, adhesive bandages, motion sickness pills, pain relievers and fresh, clean water, among others.
EatMyTackle.com provides a wide selection of safe fishing gear and equipment to meet every angler’s needs. Knowing the right tools to bring is essential for a successful fishing trip.
Be prepared, stay safe and have lots of fun!