Top 5 Rules For Fishermen To Making Sure You Won't Become a Drowning Victim.

The Danger Of Drowning

Drowning is a constant danger to fishermen. Each year we hear tragic stories of anglers who have fallen out of boats or off the bank and were lost This danger is easily avoided. Following are commonsense rules for making sure you won't become a drowning victim.

Rules For Fishermen To Making Sure You Won't Become a Drowning Victim.

Wear a life preserver

Using a life preserver is the "ounce of prevention". Very few anglers drown while wearing a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD). whenever you're in a boat, you're required to have such a preserver with you. You're not required to wear it, however, and this gets many lackadaisical fishermen in trouble.
Accidents happen when you least expect them, and they happen quickly. If you're not wearing your life preserver, and your boat suddenly overturns, you probably won't have a chance to put your PFD on. Always wear your PFD when the boat is running, and zip it up or tie it. Also, it's a good idea to wear it even when the boat's not running, especially if you're a poor swimmer. A vest-type preserver isn't bulky. comfortable, and it won't interfere with your fishing.
A better option may be an approved inflatable- type PFD that's worn like suspenders. If you fall out of the boat, a quick tug on a lanyard activates a C02 cartridge that instantly inflates the PFD. Bank fishermen should also consider wearing a PFD. Especially if you're fishing along steep banks, tailraces, docks, bridges or similar spots. Children should never be allowed close to such spots without wearing a securely fastened PFD.

Don't overload the boat

Never put too much load into too small a boat. Little boats aren't meant for heavy loads, especially when there's a chance of encountering high waves, strong current, etc. This lesson absolutely applies to all fishermen and other boaters. Always be certain that your boat is seaworthy enough to handle rough water. All boats are rated for maximum loads. Before you leave shore, figure the total weight that will be carried in the boat, and don't overload it. Also, be certain that you distribute the weight evenly throughout the boat.

Don't drink and boat

The statistics tell a sad story. A majority of boating accidents involve alcohol consumption. Drinking and boating are just as serious as drinking and driving. (Many states now have laws against the former.) The bottom line is, don't drink and boat!

Avoid known danger areas

Tailwaters, dam intakes, rapids, waterfalls and other areas with strong currents or underwater objects pose special dangers to fishermen. Never fish where posted warnings or your commonsense tells you it's unsafe. Be alert to sudden water releases when fishing below dams-After a hard rain, avoid streams prone to flash flooding.

Avoid unsafe ice when ice-fishing

Each fall a few anglers go out on new ice too early or try to stretch the spring season by fishing on ice that is thawing and rotten. Incidents of fishermen breaking through thin ice and drowning are all too common and could be avoided if anglers would learn to be more cautious.

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