Health & Safety

Policy Statement

Western Wight Angling Club is committed to ensuring that it will do all that is

reasonably practicable to prevent injury and damage to property. We will have due regard for

protecting all other people who come into contact with the Club’s activities.

When dealing with health and safety issues officials, members, and volunteers carrying out

activities have a clear understanding of the need to operate within the context of this policy and

arrangements.

Officials, members and volunteers involved in events or work parties will take all reasonable steps

to safeguard all those taking part in activities and those who may be affected by them.

Western Wight Angling Club will cooperate with other organisations (landowners etc) to ensure risks are properly controlled.

RNLI Safety Advice

Exclusion of Liability

Neither the Club nor its Officers or Committee Members shall be liable for any damage to property, loss, death or injury caused to any full and temporary open members arising from their participation in any competitions held by the Club.

Insurance

It is a recommendation that all full and temporary open members shall insure themselves against damage, loss, death or injury arising from the sport of Angling including their participation in any competitions held by the Club.

General Safety while fishing

• Casting: to avoid line breakage make sure a shock leader is used at all times; at least 10 lb breaking

strain for each ounce used. Members using more powerful rods and casting techniques should

consider using heavier shock leaders.

• Always check before casting to ensure area is clear of other anglers and members of the public

whether on shore, swimming or aboard water craft.

• Please take extra care when casting at certain venues i.e. piers and sea walls.

• Always check weather and tide conditions before fishing and take adequate clothing; the use of

flotation suits or lifejackets is advised, especially in adverse conditions.

• If conditions deteriorate beyond safe limits fishing should be abandoned.

• Anglers fishing alone should inform a trusted third party as to the venue where they intend to fish and expected time of return.

•Beware steep shelving beaches, ground swell and rogue waves. Keep yourself and

equipment well back from the last tide mark and stay aware of sea conditions, especially at night.

• Cliff venues : beware of falling rocks, landslides, mudslides etc. Do not stand directly under cliffs and check tides and conditions so that you are not cut off by the tide; weather conditions may cause higher than expected levels.

Some venues have restricted access. Restrictions on access must always be obeyed and all warning signs heeded.

• Rock venues can be especially dangerous, risk of injury due to falls and risk of drowning. Wear sturdy footwear, beware of slippery rocks and rogue waves. Use of buoyancy aids highly recommended and preferably do not fish alone.

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• When fishing estuaries, beware of becoming stuck in mud, especially while bait digging.

Summary:

• Angling is a potentially dangerous sport in which participants experience varying

conditions and changing environments on an almost continuous basis; members must continue to

evaluate these changing conditions and decide whether or not it is safe to start/continue fishing.

• It is advisable to carry a mobile phone at all times along with the current membership card on which

is listed the main officer's numbers. In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency

service.

WWAC  recommends that: 

·       Members should be fully prepared for all eventualities when fishing and

have access to:

1.        Warm / Waterproof clothing

2.        Use a flotation suite or life jacket.

3.        Fully charged mobile phone

4.        First Aid kit

5.        Torch

6.        Food & fluids

Never attempt to fish a new area without the help and advice of someone experienced in fishing that area.

Always check the tide and ensure you will be safe to leave the beach safely. Watch out for cut off points.

Be aware of the weather forecast. Conditions can change quickly.