Water safety tips for anglers

The following tips will help you to prepare for safe and enjoyable fishing.

Don’t take risks

when fishing from a slippery bank or near deep and fast flowing water - don’t take risks near the water
check the weather forecast for changing conditions which affect the water you are fishing
wear the right safety gear – always wear a life jacket
notice and avoid contact with overhead power lines
tell someone where you are going to fish and what time you expect to return home
don’t walk on ice covered water

Find out more about water safety advice from the Royal Life Saving Society UK, including emergency services:

Water safety advice for anglers

Fishing safety advice from NIE Networks

Anglers can put themselves in danger by fishing too close to overhead power lines.

By following a few important safety steps anglers can avoid injury. Find out more on the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks (NIE Networks) website:

Safety advice for fishing and angling

Angling events

If you are a competitor or spectator at angling events, always pay attention to safety notices and warnings about waterways.

Tips for being on or near waterways

Even if a right of way exists beside a river, lake or canal - this does not always give you the right to fish. Find out more on the following page under the heading ‘Tips for being on or near waterways’:

Waterways

The dangers of rat urine

Anglers should also be aware of the dangers of Leptospirosis which is transmitted through contact with rat urine in the water or on the riverside.

For enquires about angling licences / permits and refunds contact Inland Fisheries – Portadown Office. For general enquiries contact Inland Fisheries - DAERA.

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