Summary:
Fishing can be pleasant, fun, and relaxing. Nothing spoils that experience faster than a painful injury. Accidents can be prevented. This infographic highlights what you can do to avoid and deal with fishing dangers.
A safe and successful day fishing on the water does not just happen. Accidents are always unexpected. Follow these safety tips and be safe.
1. Wear a Life Jacket.
Canadian law requires that every person in a watercraft wear a life jacket.
The life jacket must be approved by the Canadian government.
A US approved life jacket cannot be substituted.
Boaters not wearing life jackets account for most Canadian boating fatalities.
2. Have a First Aid Kit and Safety Equipment onboard.
Your first aid kit needs to have:
- Bandages – large and small
- Wound cleanser
- Insect repellent / Insect bite treatment
- Sunblock / Sunburn ointment
- Pliers for hook removal
Your safety equipment should include:
- Flashlight
- Rope
- Fire extinguisher
- Visual signal device
- Sound signal device (for fog, night)
- Knife (to cut line from fouled propeller, etc.)
3. Practice Sharps Safety.
Wear angler’s gloves. These will protect you from:
- Fish barbs
- Sharp scales
- Teeth (some species have them)
- May help against a hook
Watch for other anglers when casting.
Watch novice anglers using knives.
4. Keep a Tidy Boat.
Avoid trip hazards:
- Keep lines neatly coiled.
- Stash the landing net in a handy place not under foot.
5. Watch Your Environment.
- Look for underwater hazards
- Layer your clothing
- Keep water and shore unlittered
