When fishing either alone or with friends - Please remember these important Personal and Public safety tips

Learn To Swim

Water can be dangerous - do not take any risks when wading, be aware on uneven cut banks and rising water levels on flood rivers or tidal areas. Never walk on frozen ice.

Juniors - Whenever possible, go fishing with friends or family.

Juniors - Always let your parents know where you are going fishing and when you are planning to be back.

In winter, wear warm, weatherproof clothing and take a flask containing a hot drink.

In summer, wherever possible, keep out of the direct sunlight.  Wear a hat and cool clothing and always carry a cold drink to avoid dehydration.

Be aware of non-Anglers in public places i.e. Park Lakes, Footpaths alongside the River etc. Do not spread your tackle out so that it blocks their access.

Look behind before casting; show consideration to other footpath users. Beware of birds swimming into your line. And avoid areas where people feed birds.

Never leave your fishing tackle unattended.  Fishing tackle is very attractive to the chance thief and  lots get stolen every year.  Whenever possible, insure your fishing tackle.  Don't leave it in sheds or out-houses or on display in a car.

Environmental Safety

Always carry with you knotless landing nets big enough for the fish that you are after.  A disgorger and forceps are essential.

Keep the time that the fish are out of the water to a minimum.  Never throw or drop a fish back into the water. Wet your hands before handling the fish.

Never drop litter or discard tackle - take it home.

Overhead Power Cables

	Do not allow you fishing rod, pole or line to approach or touch overhead power cables.
	Rods and poles containing carbon fibre conduct electricity.  They are particularly dangerous when used near overhead electric power lines. ELECTRICITY CAN AND WILL JUMP GAPS. A rod / pole does not have to touch   power cables to cause ELECTROCUTION AND DEATH.
	Many overhead electric power cables are supported by wooden poles, which could be mistaken for telegraph poles.  Overhead cables carry up to 132,000 VOLTS.
	The height of these high voltage power cables can be as low as 17ft.  Therefore well within reach of a rod or pole.  Overhead power cables may not be readily visible from the ground.  They may be concealed by hedges or by a dark background.
	BEFORE FISHING ALWAYS LOOK OUT, LOOK UP FOR OVERHEAD POWER CABLES.
	An adult should accompany all anglers under 16 years old on waters where overhead power cables are evident.  These waters should be treated with care:-

The River Cam

Weils disease is caused by a parasite from rats (Leptospira Icterohaemoohagiae) and is a notifiable disease reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.

Unlike tap water, the water in canals, rivers and reservoirs is untreated and micro-organisms are naturally present.

The parasite may enter the human body through the skin, mucous membranes or skin abrasions, following contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected rodents.

Although the risk of contracting illness is extremely small, sensible precautions should be taken as follows:

Should any illness occur within 2 weeks of contact with untreated water, you should seek medical advice and inform your doctor you have been in contact with untreated water.