Inland Fisheries Ireland issues reminder to anglers on water safety guidelines

 Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines when fishing. Three anglers have died in Ireland so far this year as a result of drowning, according to the latest figures from Irish Water Safety.

Last year, a total of 109 people drowned in Irish waters. This equates to nine deaths every month with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in shallow water. Of the 109 drownings last year, 84 were male and 24 were female.

As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:

• Wear a life jacket
• Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices
• Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank
• Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go
• Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing
• Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going
• Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland who enjoy fishing at the many scenic destinations across the country. Many anglers have been fishing for many years and may feel experienced on being near or on the water however we would appeal to anglers to follow these simple safety steps at all times. Although game angling has finished for 2018, angling for other species continues in many isolated peripheral and rural areas and with winter approaching, it is important to stay safe.

Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water – Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety on lakes and at sea alongside important information regarding tides and currents, what to wear and the type of boat you should use. We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling. ”

Inland Fisheries Ireland has a detailed guide to safety at https://www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm. You can also download a free copy of the information leaflet Safety on the Water – Angling Safety Checklist at https://www.fishinginireland.info/pdf/AnglingsafetyChecklist.pdf and more detailed publication Safety on the Water – Angling Safety Guidelines at https://www.fishinginireland.info/pdf/AnglingSafetyGuidelines.pdf