The Filey Brigg Angling Society Risk Assessment & Safety Rules

Introduction

The Filey Brigg Angling Society Limited (“the Club”) seeks to promote the sport of Angling from both boat and shore, including by holding competitions for its members and non-members.

Angling, whether from boat or shore, can be dangerous.  The Club has therefore drawn up a list of safety requirements for all full and temporary open members which must be adhered to at all times.

Exclusion of Liability

Neither the Club nor its Officers or Committee Members shall be liable for any damage to property, loss, death or injury caused to any full and temporary open members arising from their participation in any competitions held by the Club.

Insurance

It is a recommendation that all full and temporary open members shall insure themselves against damage, loss, death or injury arising from the sport of Angling including their participation in any competitions held by the Club.

Hazards

The following is a non-exhaustive list of the hazards for full and temporary open members when Angling from boat or shore in Filey bay and surrounding areas:-

From Boat

  1. Launching from public areas
  2. Sudden change in weather (eg. fog) and/or sea conditions
  3. Falling or being washed overboard
  4. Sea sickness
  5. Cold and hypothermia
  6. Dehydration
  7. Injury caused by fish hooks, gaffes, knives and other sharp objects
  8. Engine failure

From Shore

  1. Falling off or down a cliff face
  2. Falling rocks and debris if fishing at the foot of a cliff
  3. Slipping on rocks
  4. Getting cut off by the tide
  5. Being washed off the shore by heavy waves
  6. Sudden change in weather conditions
  7. Cold and hypothermia
  8. Dehydration
  9. Injury caused by fish hooks, gaffes, knives and other sharp objects

These hazards can cause injury, temporary or permanent disablement or even death!  It is therefore a condition of membership of the Club that all members and temporary open members fully comply with the Safety Requirements set out below:-

Safety Requirements

General

The Club encourages all members to undergo First Aid training.

All members under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

In addition, all members MUST:-

  1. Be aware of the state of the tide and anticipated weather and sea conditions for the following 24 hours before participating in any competitions;
  2. Notify a family member or friend where they intend to fish and at what time they intend to return;
  3. Check the condition of their fishing gear before participating in any competition
  4. Take care to avoid injury to others when casting whether from boat or shore
  5. Use a suitable shock leader, 10lb line strength to 1oz of lead weight
  6. Use suitable light / headlight if fishing when dark
  7. Take with them to all competitions:-
  1. Appropriate warm / waterproof clothing, headwear and footwear
  2. Waterproof back-pack containing:-
    • Fully charged mobile phone
    • Torch and spare batteries
    • First aid kit
    • Hot or cold drink and chocolate or biscuits

From Boat

  1. The owner or person responsible for the boat must be fully licensed and insured
  2. The owner or person responsible for the boat must carry the following safety equipment:-
    • One lifejacket with whistle for each person on board
    • VHF Radio (or fully charged mobile telephone in waterproof cover)
    • Anchor connected with sufficient length of anchor cable 3 x depth of water
    • Spare anchor, propeller and rope / cable
    • Spare fuel
    • Tow rope – minimum length
    • Compass
    • Oars or auxiliary engine
    • Toolkit including WD40, spark plug, split pin for propeller, plyers, etc)
    • First Aid box including sea-sickness tablets
    • Orange smoke flare
    • Mini Flares if fishing at night (12 pack)
    • Powerful torch and spare batteries

From Cliff Top

  1. Be aware of cliff conditions
  2. Do not stand too close to the edge
  3. Use safety harness attached to suitable fixture
  4. Stand well back from the edge when casting
  5. Always fish from a flat platform and never on a sloping bank
  6. Be aware of others nearby when casting
  7. Take care when climbing cliffs

From Shore

  1. Be aware of cliff conditions
  2. Do not stand immediately beneath cliff
  3. Wear safety helmet if fishing at foot of cliff
  4. Watch out for / be aware of rogue waves
  5. Wear suitable footwear if walking across rocks
  6. Take care when walking over rocks