RAFCAA (Coarse Angling) ANGLING SAFETY SURVEY

ANNEX V TO
RAFCAA/CCMAN/3
DATED 01 SEP 07

RAFCAA (COARSE) ANGLING SAFETY SURVEY

1. Introduction. Statistically, angling is the most dangerous sport in the UK in terms of numbers of deaths per year. However this is a reflection more on the number of participants and their average age rather than an inherent ‘danger’ factor. Within the Armed Forces therefore, a relatively physically fit demographic group, there is little correlation with the wider population. However the following health and safety issues are to be considered for every RAFCAA (Coarse) sponsored match and the Match organiser is to conduct a risk assessment based on these criteria.

2. Environmental.

a. Access to the Water. All water features are inherently dangerous due to the risk of drowning. This risk is enhanced by deep and/or flowing water and full consideration must be given to accessibility to a peg, including steepness of bank, under bank erosion, flooding and marginal drop-offs. It is the responsibility of all match organisers/pegging officials to ensure that all pegs included in RAF matches are stable accessible and do not require wading in deep water. If there is any doubt as to the ‘fishability’ of a particular peg, it is to be left out of the competition or made safe.

b. Electricity Pylons. Aside from heart attacks, electrocution from overhead power cables is the greatest cause of angling fatalities in the UK. The carbon fibre construction of modern rods and poles makes almost the perfect electrical conductor and the arcing effect does not require the rod to actually make contact with the power line to conduct the electricity to the angler. Legally, on club or water authority owned venues no pegs are to be placed within 30m either side of a power-line and signs are to be erected to warn of the danger. However an independent assessment by the match organiser of RAF sponsored matches is also to be conducted and the 30m rule is to be strictly adhered to.

c. Lightning. Again due to the high carbon content of most modern poles and rods, they make excellent lightning conductors. Competitors are therefore strongly advised not to use poles during thunderstorms.

d. Weils Disease. Weils disease is transmitted through rats urine and is particularly prevalent along river and lake banks. It can be contracted by humans through open cuts directly into the blood stream. Symptoms are akin to flu and unless identified early, the disease is usually fatal. However it is fairly hard to contract and simple measure can greatly reduce the risk. Fresh cuts and abrasions should be covered up prior to fishing and any cuts and abrasions should be treated with clean, fresh water (not from the venue and covered up immediately.

e. Roadside Venues. Some venues, such as the North Bank of the River Nene and the Fosdyke Canal are located adjacent to busy main roads. Anglers are to ensure that all cars are parked well off the road and that all tackle is also well clear of the road. Particular care is to be taken when unshipping poles. Anglers are also to ensure that they tackle up and pack away well away from the road verge.

3. Procedural.

a. Wading. Some venues require anglers to wade into the water in order to fish. Where this is necessary, anglers may only wade to a depth where the water does not extend beyond the knees unless he can touch the bank with his fingertips. In addition, anglers are strongly encouraged to test the nature of the lake/riverbed with a bank stick or landing net handle prior to wading.

b. Playing Fish. On commercial fisheries a recent method for landing big fish has been to play the fish directly off the pole elastic (effectively hand-lining). This is extremely dangerous practice as a broken line or pulled hook has the potential to embed a float into a hand or face. This method is therefore banned in all RAF sponsored matches.

4. Mitigation. Many of the potential risks can be minimised through the application of common sense. In addition, health and safety briefs are to be given by the match organiser prior to every match, focusing on the items specified above and any other local H&S issues. There are few if any costs associated with mitigation, other than consideration for booking a reserve venue when the primary venue is a river prone to flooding.