SAMF seeks to promote the sport of sea-angling for its members, particularly shore-based sea match angling competitions. SAMF recommends all its members and non-members fishing SAMF competitions to familiarise themselves with this safety statement, making every effort to comply with the safety advice, whenever they are fishing. Sea angling can be dangerous, given the inextricable link to the sea and weather conditions, this risk statement highlights the significant dangers and the effective control measures can be used to minimise the risks, supporting the sea match angler to enjoy their pastime, whilst allowing others to enjoy their experiences who may share the beach space with them at the time.
SAMF extends to all parts of the UK, thus making detailed assessments of every fishing location impossible and impracticable, however this assessment provides general, good safety principles, which if applied will minimise the risk of injury and or harm to the individual or others. In the event of any emergency, the individual must dial 999, ask for the appropriate emergency service to attend. To assist the emergency services, always have your exact location to hand.
SAMF encourages all members and non-members to be aware of basic first aid, and to carry a first aid kit, including a suitable mask, gloves and sanitiser. All SAMF members and non-members under the age of 16, should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
This statement highlights the significant risks which may face an angler when fishing matches, but it is not exhaustive. At all times the individual angler must take care of themselves, their fellow anglers and other beach users to maximise the enjoyment of our sport. The significant risks covered in this assessment are; Personal wellbeing, Environmental conditions, Slips, Trips, Falls, Power casting, Fishing equipment, Other beach users, Dogs, Water craft and COVID-19. The control measures detailed below and observance of government guidelines mitigate the significant risks highlighted in this assessment to an acceptable level.
All Anglers MUST;
- Prior to fishing, make sure you are fit, well, able to participate and properly hydrated. Ensure all your fishing equipment is checked and safe, e.g. line, knots, rigs etc. If fishing at night, ensure you carry a suitable headlight and spare. Take adequate food, clothing and if fishing alone tells someone where you are going, what time you will return. It is recommended you always carry a mobile phone (charged) in case of emergencies and also carry a whistle to attract attention.
- Any angler who has a known medical condition and or requires a close peg for medical reasons MUST make themselves known to the match organiser at time of registration. If you are feeling unwell prior to the match, then you should consider not fishing as you may put yourself and other anglers at risk. For fit/able anglers, if you have a long walk to your peg, consider the type and amount of tackle you can safely carry.
- Always check weather and tide conditions. If conditions deteriorate beyond safe limits, fishing should be abandoned. When fishing a competition, if due to weather the match may be in doubt, check with a match official before going onto the match venue. During hot conditions ensure you have suitable protection from the sun, e.g. sun-screen, hat etc and a plentiful supply of drinking water.
- Cast safely, considering proximity of others, weather conditions, on all occasions use a suitable shock leader, working on the principle of 10lb for every 1oz of weight being used, e.g. 6oz casting weight = 60lb shock leader as a minimum). The leader must be of suitable length to all at least 6 turns on the reel and extend to include the rig being used by the angler.
- Before casting always check the area is clear of other anglers and members of the public, whether on the beach, swimming or aboard water craft. If in any doubt do not cast, wait until the area is clear and safe before casting.
- Litter is a danger to wildlife, domestic animals and other beach users. SAMF members and non-members must ensure their fishing area is clear of litter. Bait wrappers, tackle and any other rubbish must be removed, even if it doesn’t belong to the angler before leaving the beach. Its recommended all anglers carry a “poo bag”, to clear up dog fowling if found in and around your peg.
- Be aware of slippery, uneven, or weed covered surfaces and beach obstructions. Certain weather conditions can adversely affect cliff stability, leading to collapse, mud-slides etc. Do not stand/fish beneath unstable cliffs, consider head protection, ropes etc when scaling steep slopes etc. Wear suitable footwear for the conditions/type of fishing, be aware of flooding tides which may cut off your retreat. Only use designated footpaths or as directed to access the beach.
- When fishing matches it is common place to have pre-baited rigs. Anglers should be aware of free-running pets, who may fowl themselves on these rigs. Try to keep spare rigs within the confines of your base camp. Be aware of anyone near you and respectfully advise them of the risk.
- All anglers will follow the rules regarding the handling of fish in accordance with SAMF catch and release competition rules.
COVID-19 specific control measures;
In particular relation to risk of COVID-19, this assessment is underpinned and follows the Angling Trust (AT); Best Practice for the safe resumption of sea angling competitions in England under COVID-19 restrictions. SAMF recommend all participants read and understand their individual obligations contained within the government, AT guidance and this assessment, which support the control measures SAMF has put in place to a) comply with the law, b) Government guidelines and c) compliance with AT guidance to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Any individual angler found not to be complying with the law during SAMF competitions will be disqualified from the competition and may face expulsion from future competitions and have their SAMF membership rescinded. A copy of the AT match fishing guidance and other guidance for individual anglers can be read and downloaded on the AT website; https://anglingtrust.net
- Any SAMF angler who has a cough, a fever, loss of taste & smell or any other Covid-19 type symptoms MUST not attend any match and stay at home. If you develop symptoms whilst fishing don a face covering, inform the organiser and self-isolate.
- Government guidance for social distancing and use of face coverings if applicable must be complied with at all times.
- Teams and individual anglers will book in advance. No anglers/teams will be permitted to enter on the day
- All individuals fishing the competition should travel to the competition in accordance with government guidelines if applaicable.
- Catch & Release; Anglers will present their catch to the adjacent angler (same angler for all fish) for verification, and if required, ensure social distancing at all times. The angler records the length/points of their catch on their card update the running total and enter ‘time caught’ and ‘witness peg number’ in Witness and Peg no. boxes. At the end of the match the angler should immediately draw a line and sign under their last recorded catch, then present their card to the witness angler on the next peg for verification signing, not using the same pen.
- Competition results will be posted on line, within 24 hours of the conclusion of the competition if a presentation at the end of the match cannot be arranged.