Fishing is a hobby we turn to, to get away from the craziness of life. Out on the water, it’s peaceful, quiet, and seems like a whole different world. But the reality is, accidents can happen, even in those tranquil and lovely moments. Before you head out to do some fishing, make sure you’re prepared for every situation. Stock up on safety gear, and let your loved ones know where you’ll be.
Here are the three most common fishing accidents and how to avoid them.
1. Slip and Falls
Fishing is a wet experience. Whether you’re on a boat, a rock, or the shore, chances are your feet are going to get wet at some point. When wet feet meet a wet surface, falls are inevitable. Slipping can cause a number of injuries, like cuts, bruises, concussions, dislocations, and fractures.
Invest in a pair of non-slip shoes. It’s worth it! You could line the boat bottom with anti-slip rubber mats too.
If someone else falls on your boat and seriously hurts themselves, keep them as still as possible until emergency services arrive. If you fall and are injured, call it a day! If you can get yourself home, it’s best to do so. If not, don’t be afraid to call emergency services.
2. Gear-Related Accident
The two most common accidents relating to gear are fishhook injuries and boat propeller-related injuries.
Not paying attention when casting with a hook on your line can lead to hooks in ears, lips, eyelids, and even embedded in muscles. Similarly, if you aren’t very familiar with a boat, it can be easy to accidentally get your hand in the way of the rotating propeller.
Pay attention to what you’re doing every step of the way. Be aware of where your buddies are if you aren’t fishing alone. Place warning stickers near the propeller if it’s your boat, as a reminder to be vigilant.
Your first aid kit should contain disinfectant, gauze, and bandages. If the injury isn’t too severe, clean it and wrap it. If it’s severe, do what you can to stop the bleeding while you wait for emergency services to arrive.
3. Drowning
Yes, this can happen to even experienced fishermen. The most common causes include falling and losing consciousness before entering the water, overturning a canoe or kayak, and being pulled out of the boat by a large fish on the line.
It might sound obvious but practice your swimming skills. Keep a personal flotation device onboard and wear it whenever you’re fishing. Don’t neglect this step! It could save your life.
If you get thrown out of the boat, let go of your line immediately. If you can’t get back to your boat, conserve energy in the water and try to attract attention with a whistle or flare.
Fishing accidents are more common than one might realize. Being prepared for everything, keeping a fully-stocked first aid kit and safety gear on your boat, and knowing what to do in the case of an emergency are highly important.
Author Bio: Kenneth Reaves is an outdoor guru who loves fishing. He has been exploring nature and having great fishing adventures since he was 5 years old. Currently, he is busy sharing his passion for exciting adventures and fishing to amateur anglers through his blog, www.perfectcaptain.com
