Safety on the water
Storms and carbon rods, ice, fords, boats -- the rules that prevent accidents.
Storms and lightning
- Carbon rods conduct electricity and are the tallest object on the bank: when you hear thunder, pack up the rods and leave the bank.
- Don't shelter under isolated trees or under your fishing umbrella. A closed car is good shelter.
- Only resume fishing at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Check the forecast before you leave; the “Wind on the water” card and the forecast on the water's page show the wind and gusts.
Ice
- Clear ice at least 10 cm thick usually holds a person. White ice with bubbles, ice near reeds, at the mouths of streams and on rivers is much weaker.
- Don't go out on the ice alone; take a rope, ice picks around your neck and your phone in a waterproof bag.
- If the ice cracks, lie flat and crawl back to the bank the way you came.
Rivers and fords
- Don't wade through water above your knees on fast rivers; murky water hides holes.
- Below dams and hydro plants the level can rise suddenly when the sluice gates open.
- Waders fill up if you slip: wear a belt tightened over them.
From a boat
- A life jacket worn, not kept under the seat -- most drownings happen close to the bank.
- Don't stand up in small boats and don't overload them.
- Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back; keep your phone charged, in a waterproof bag.
- No alcohol on the water.