#8. Fishing

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Step 1: IDENTIFY THE HAZARDS: Let’s look at the hazards associated with fishing:

Weather (rain, cold/hot temps, and wind)

Location (near water, on the water, mud, rivers/streams)

Wildlife (bears, moose, wolves, mosquitoes, and other friendly critters)

Activities (travel, combat fishing, filleting fish, tackle preparation)

Attendees (military, family members, children, the public)

Step 2: ASSESS THE RISK: Then assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss and severity:

Injuries due to severe weather--hypothermia from a wet and cold environment. Don’t forget the sun block; the sun reflecting off the water will at times cause severe sunburn

Incidents involving water vehicle mishaps potentially from traveling long distances

Animals’ protective instincts, animal bites, insect-borne diseases, skin irritations, and other bothersome pests

Drowning, stuck in mud flats, sprains, broken bones, overexertion, slips, trips and falls, flying hooks in close proximity, and cuts and punctures from knives and hooks

Relative health of attendees

Step 3: ANALYZE RISK CONTROL MEASURES: Once you have identified the hazards and assessed the associated risk, you should decide on some controls, which can be employed to reduce or mitigate the hazards:

Begin the day with a discussion of the proposed events for the day. Be sure you let someone else know where you are going, when you expect to arrive, and when you expect to return

If your fishing trip includes a long drive, schedule rest stops before departing

Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly

Make sure people don’t wander off alone

Use insect repellent. Get familiar with the type of local critters you may encounter and what you should do if one shows up

If alcoholic beverages are present (and they usually are), watch drinkers for signs of overindulgence

Watch your children closely

Consider the needs of the elderly or anyone with known pre-existing medical conditions

Know the written rules of fishing and the unwritten rules of combat fishing

Be sure and wear a pair of protective eyeglasses. There are a lot of errant hooks flying around when combat fishing

Stay off the mud flats. It is easy to get stuck and in many areas the tides rise and fall 30 feet twice a day

Step 4: MAKE CONTROL DECISIONS: Accept the risk, avoid the risk, reduce the risk, or spread the risk. Do not make dumb decisions.

Step 5: RISK CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION: Once you select appropriate controls, use them! A plan is only good if it is followed.

Step 6: SUPERVISE AND REVIEW: As always, the situation is subject to change quickly. Monitor the situation and adjust as necessary to keep things under control. Have fun, but from now on, use risk management to make your summer fun and safe. No one wants a fishing trip to turn into a tragedy!

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