subject: Practicing Safety And Carrying The Essentials While Fishing [print this page] If you are going fishing, it is important that you bring everything you will need with you, including taking certain safety precautions. It is also of the utmost importance that you take certain safety precautions, to protect yourself from any accidents.
Spending time fishing is wonderful family sport, but in order for it to be enjoyable, it should be safe and comfortable especially for small children. Fishing is not a dangerous sport, but as with any activity, especially activities held in the ever-changing outdoors conditions do change.
Unexpected bad weather, too much time in the sun, or encountering biting insects are a few factors that can spoil a fishing trip. Safety comes first.
All the checklists in the world can't anticipate all of the safety problems you or your young anglers might encounter on a fishing trip. Therefore, the best advice is think safety at all times.
Some things you may want to have in a small bag are a first aid kit, chapstick, sunblock, aloe vera, insect repellant, insect bite treatment, binoculars, rain gear, a waterproof camera, and some aspirin. This will make you much more comfortable in case of any circumstances beyond your control.
If you have children with you, whenever you are around water shoreline/dock or in a boat, children should always wear a properly fitted Coast Guard approved (PFD) personal flotation device. They need constant adult supervision and guidance.
Shoes should always be worn, fishing from shore, off a dock, or in a boat. Sharp rocks, glass, stray hooks, and other objects on the shoreline could cut your feet.
Shoes are designed to keep your feet from slipping in a wet boat or off a dock preventing you from taking an unexpected fall into the water. Always wear sunscreen-the ultraviolet (UV) light of the sun can do a lot of damage to skin, eyes, and lips.
Apply sunscreen on youngsters. Cover your face, neck, ears and all other exposed skin with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.
Hats keep the sun out of your eyes while fishing. They also keep your head cool in the summer and warm in the winter as well as protecting your head from stray cast with hooks.
Everyone should wear glasses or sunglasses (preferably polarized). Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays reflecting off the water, protect your eyes from errant casts with hooks, and allow you to view below the surface of the water to see fish and other objects.
During the summer, temperatures can get very warm. To avoid dehydration or even heat stroke, bring lots of cool water and other healthy drinks.
Make sure the youngsters drink plenty of fluids. Liquids are also very important during the fall and winter months.
Keep the pests off by applying insect repellent. Mosquitoes, ticks, bees, and other insects not only sting, they can carry diseases.
Follow the directions on the container. If your insect repellent contains "Deet," it may be better to apply it to the clothing instead of the skin.
Always dress for the weather and be prepared for unexpected changes. For example, it might be 75 degrees on shore but 10 degrees cooler on the lake with wind.
Bring along a sweatshirt or a windbreaker just in case. Drowning is second only to auto mishaps as the leading cause of death for teens-that is why life jackets should always be worn.
Do not forget that swimming in lakes or rivers is a lot harder than swimming in a pool. Water is cold enough to cool the person so fast that they cannot swim (Hypothermia).
Swimmer's strength can easily be overpowered by the current or other factors, so even the best swimmer can encounter exhaustion. Never use alcohol or drugs while you're swimming, diving, or in a boat.
Wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device when you boat, raft, go tubing, or swiming across a river or lake. When buying a life jacket or vest, select one that is comfortable, will not slip, and offers good freedom of movement.
Learn CPR and lifesaving, and take refresher courses. Do not chew gum or eat while in the water, to prevent choking.
If you follow these simple rules and pack for everything, you can have a great fishing trip. What are you waiting for?
