White Water Safety for fisher folk

1. Mark.H.V.Corps
IFI Angling Advisor
Marine & Countryside Guiding
FETAC Level 6

2. Water safety

4. Grades of water
• International grading system defines
rapids by how difficult they are to shoot
in a boat
• Grade 1 – V1 (V1 – not in Ireland / UK)

5. • Grade I - Easy - moving water with the odd
disturbances, small, regular waves & slight
meanders – gentle fishing water
• Grade II - Moderate - water is faster & rapids
more frequent; rocks, waves & small stoppers
are found but always with an obvious channel
– nice fly water
• Grade III - Harder - pace quickens, big waves
& stoppers, capable of holding a boat firmly.
Rapids are much more continuous, although
the route is fairly obvious, it is necessary to be
able to maneuver the kayak well – getting
exciting

6. • Grade IV - Difficult - long stretches of rapids &
falls with irregular waves, powerful holding
stoppers. Route not obvious from the water,
& bank inspection is usually necessary. A
mistake or swim could be serious – nah! leave
it to the kayakers
• Grade V - Extremely difficult - long rapids,
large drops with big waves, dangerous
stoppers & rocks to negotiate. A challenge to
any canoeist. In grade V, substantial danger is
always possible. Continual inspection and / or
protection is often necessary – yah gona die
fat pig!!

7. • Grade VI - Limit of navigation – a line down
exists - just. Luck may play a part. Is a real
risk to life. Most of the time, they are too
dangerous to canoe – f****n hell!

8. Before trip require
• Risk Assessment
• Details (medical) & contact of client(s)
• Weather forecast (part of RA)
• Info on beat / fishery
• Expedition form

9. Equipment to consider for safety
To be decided by appropriate RA for particular site(s)
• Hat & Glasses
• First Aid Kit
• Throw rope / knife
• Wading staff
• Personal buoyancy
• Whistle
• Mobile phone (check reception)
• Watch
• Bivvy bag
• Food & drink
• Map / compass

10. Ensure you & your client have
• Appropriate Licenses / permits
• Waterproof jacket / trouser (no matter how
good the weather)
• Waders / wellingtons / boots as appropriate
• Fishing equipment - rod, reel, lines & ancillary
equipment
• Landing net
• Priest

11. Other equipment to be considered
• Spare equipment for clients
• Food & drink
• Midge repellant
• Sun cream
• Torch
• KISU

13. Wading - considerations
• Do you need to wade?
• What is the wading like / bed?
• Flow of water
• Obstacles
• Egress / exit to water
• Need for wading staff
• Experience of angler
• Physical ability
• Confidence
• Limitations of depth
• What if it goes wrong?

14. Wading tips
• Do not assume your clients can wade
• Enter the water carefully – consider sliding in
• If using a wading staff use it to feel ahead
• When moving shuffle your feet – do not lift
• If turning around - turn into the current

15. • Remember if you get in trouble you cannot
easily wade up stream
• Consider physically / morally supporting the
client
• Consider the need for Personal Buoyancy
• Ensure waist belts are worn on chest waders

16. IF it goes wrong….
• Do not panic
• Relax & lie on your back – yes you are wet!
• RELAX
• If going underwater – shut your mouth!
• Blow your whistle!
• Fend off obstacles with your feet
• Drop any equipment you are holding
• Be aware of throw ropes coming your way
• Use the current to head for the shore
• In shallow water stand up slowly & carefully

18. Throw rope – as rescuer
• Grab rope (have it available!)
• Find suitable point to throw rope
• Be aware of the spot the swimmer will
pendulum into
• Can they get out or will you make it
worse?

20. • Throw rope beyond the casualty – not
at them
• When throwing rope shout – ‘ROPE!!’
• Talk to casualty, tell them what you
want them to do
Hold on & put the rope over your shoulder!
• If you miss – pull in line & throw again
• As the weight goes on the rope, brace /
sit down or belay

22. • Do not pull the casualty in, it can cause a bow
wave
• Remember they are not rescued til on dry
land

23. Throw rope – as casualty
• DO NOT PANIC!
• Lie on back
• Spread arms wide to make a larger target
• Grab the rope
• Do not wrap it around your hands or tie to it
• Put rope over shoulder

24. • Hold on!!
• As pendulum into bank RELAX & wait
• Slowly stand up or grab onto bank
• Do not let go of rope till on the bank /
safe

25. Questions?