Health & Safety

The club has produced a simple guide to the general risks associated with angling. Please read it before fishing, to ensure you are aware of any risk(s) that may be present.

Know your limits

You as an individual have the best knowledge of your own physical and mental abilities so you should make your own dynamic ongoing risk assessment as the activity progresses. Do not exceed those abilities. You should always take a method of emergency contact, such as a mobile phone, notwithstanding that some areas may not have connectivity.

Weather and river levels

The weather may change suddenly and cause unforeseen dangerous water conditions. Be constantly aware of changing weather and its consequences, particularly rising water levels on the River Nidd which is a spate river.

River level at Pateley Bridge (Environment Agency, opens in a new tab)

Trees

Fishing under trees can be unsafe in windy conditions. Beware of falling branches.

Banks and paths

Paths

Only use obvious paths along the bank. Always beware of cyclists, horse riders and walkers. Do not place anything on the path which may cause a trip hazard. Beware of tree roots, brambles etc. which may cause trip hazards. Not all paths on NAC waters are maintained, take care when using all paths. Where paths have been closed by North Yorkshire Footpaths and you decide to enter the closed section DO NOT use any section where damage has occurred. The footpaths may have been cut away underneath the bank and may not always be visible from above, we recommend that you do not use the footpaths that have been closed and find an alternative location to fish.

River banks

Take extra care when leaving the paths and using the banks to gain entry to the river. The banks may be covered with plants, roots, loose rocks or loose soil. These can all cause anglers to slip, trip or fall. Please only use the bank where you feel confident that you can descend, or ascend, safely. If in doubt, move to another location that looks more suitable.

Wading and falling in

Wading

Take particular care when wading in deep or fast water and on rocky bottoms. Use a wading staff and wading belt at all times. A floatation device or buoyancy aid is also recommended but is at each Anglers discretion. It is strongly advised that all Anglers familiarize themselves with wading any pools to be fished in good daylight conditions before attempting to fish during the hours of darkness. Ensure that the footwear you choose is adequate for the terrain.

Falling in the water

Falling in the water may cause drowning. It is recommended that a buoyancy aid is worn at all times when on, in or near water. Wearing these devices is at each Anglers discretion and a matter considered at their own risk.

Power lines and lightning

Power lines

Do not fish under or near power lines, electricity can arc over considerable distances. You are ideally earthed in water to conduct electricity. Carbon fibre rods are also an excellent conductor of electricity as is a fly line coated in water. Power lines which cross the river are marked on the banks with a post and sign both upstream and downstream of the power line. Power lines away from the river bank are unmarked.

Lightning

Again you are ideally earthed when in water and if using a graphite rod, you have a good lightning conductor. In case of lightning it is recommended that you lay your rod flat on the ground and take shelter (not under trees). A car is a good place to shelter.

Stiles, fences and livestock

Stiles, bridges and fences

Always take care when negotiating stiles and crossing bridges. Fences and walls should not be climbed this causes damage and presents further unnecessary hazards. Before negotiating a stile or bridge a visual inspection should be made to ensure safety for use.

Electric fences

Electric fences which are used for the control of animals and can periodically discharge high voltages. Contact with the wires may result in a painful electric shock, or worse.

Animals and livestock

Treat all livestock with respect. Note that cattle can be troublesome! Avoid contact where possible and approach the river with caution.

Hooks, flies and casting

Casting

Always show consideration to other users on the river bank by avoiding contacting anyone with your back-cast. It is recommended that protective glasses are worn when fishing to protect your eyes from hooks and flies.

Hooks and flies

Hooks by their design are sharp and easily penetrate the skin. Their use brings them into contact with germs etc, that can be injurious to health. Caution should be used when handling hooks, tying on or removing hooks. Rusty hooks should be avoided at all times. Weighted flies can cause unpredictable movement of cast when casting. Extreme caution should be exercised. When casting all flies ensure they do not come in contact with you, your fellow anglers or the public, paying particular attention to persons using bank side paths.

Weil’s disease

This is transmitted in rat’s urine. Never put wet lines in your mouth or any other items of tackle that has been in the water. Wear waterproof plaster on any cuts or abrasions. There may also be a risk in some waters from treated sewage effluent. Use anti bacterial hand-wash and avoid handling food items until you have washed thoroughly. Symptoms of Weil’s disease include: Chills, nausea & vomiting, sudden headaches, loss of appetite and muscle pain (particularly in the calves and lower back). If you have these symptoms after fishing, seek urgent medical attention.

Vehicles and parking

Vehicles must be driven in a courteous manner at all times, particularly on leaving public roads to access Club parking facilities. When parking in Club designated parking areas, please do so with due regard for other users and do not block access at any time. When using ‘public parking’ please ensure that due respect and courtesy is given to residents, other road users, those requiring access and emergency services.

Junior members

Nidderdale Angling Club expects all Junior Anglers to be supervised by an adult at all times. It is recommended that Junior Anglers do not wade above knee height. All Junior members should wear eye protection for their safety.

Your responsibility

All persons (Members, Season Ticket Holders, Guests and Day/Week Ticket Holders) fishing Club waters, do so at their own risk.

Nidderdale Angling Club does not however, hold any responsibility to persons, Clubs, Associations or the General public for Health & Safety issues that happen on its Property or Rights, that are incurred due to their not obeying Club Rules (available to all on request), or showing due care and attention to pertaining circumstances, statutory obligations, or applying common sense to the pertaining circumstances on its land, sporting rights or recreational property.

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