Mark.H.V.Corps

IFI Angling Advisor

Marine & Countryside Guiding

FETAC Level 6

Water safety

Grades of water

• International grading system defines

rapids by how difficult they are to shoot

in a boat

• Grade 1 – V1 (V1 – not in Ireland / UK)

• Grade I - Easy - moving water with the odd disturbances, small, regular waves & slight meanders – gentle fishing water

• Grade II - Moderate - water is faster & rapids more frequent; rocks, waves & small stoppers are found but always with an obvious channel – nice fly water

• Grade III - Harder - pace quickens, big waves & stoppers, capable of holding a boat firmly. Rapids are much more continuous, although the route is fairly obvious, it is necessary to be able to maneuver the kayak well – getting exciting

• Grade IV - Difficult - long stretches of rapids & falls with irregular waves, powerful holding stoppers. Route not obvious from the water, & bank inspection is usually necessary. A mistake or swim could be serious – nah! leave it to the kayakers

• Grade V - Extremely difficult - long rapids, large drops with big waves, dangerous stoppers & rocks to negotiate. A challenge to any canoeist. In grade V, substantial danger is always possible. Continual inspection and / or protection is often necessary – yah gona die fat pig!!

• Grade VI - Limit of navigation – a line down

exists - just. Luck may play a part. Is a real

risk to life. Most of the time, they are too

dangerous to canoe – f****n hell!

Before trip require

• Risk Assessment

• Details (medical) & contact of client(s)

• Weather forecast (part of RA)

• Info on beat / fishery

• Expedition form

Equipment to consider for safety

To be decided by appropriate RA for particular site(s)

• Hat & Glasses

• First Aid Kit

• Throw rope / knife

• Wading staff

• Personal buoyancy

• Whistle

• Mobile phone (check reception)

• Watch

• Bivvy bag

• Food & drink

• Map / compass

Ensure you & your client have

• Appropriate Licenses / permits

• Waterproof jacket / trouser (no matter how good the weather)

• Waders / wellingtons / boots as appropriate

• Fishing equipment - rod, reel, lines & ancillary equipment

• Landing net

• Priest

Other equipment to be considered

• Spare equipment for clients

• Food & drink

• Midge repellant

• Sun cream

• Torch

• KISU

Wading - considerations

• Do you need to wade?

• What is the wading like / bed?

• Flow of water

• Obstacles

• Egress / exit to water

• Need for wading staff

• Experience of angler

• Physical ability

• Confidence

• Limitations of depth

• What if it goes wrong?

Wading tips

• Do not assume your clients can wade

• Enter the water carefully – consider sliding in

• If using a wading staff use it to feel ahead

• When moving shuffle your feet – do not lift

• If turning around - turn into the current

• Remember if you get in trouble you cannot

easily wade up stream

• Consider physically / morally supporting the

client

• Consider the need for Personal Buoyancy

• Ensure waist belts are worn on chest waders

IF it goes wrong….

• Do not panic

• Relax & lie on your back – yes you are wet!

• RELAX

• If going underwater – shut your mouth!

• Blow your whistle!

• Fend off obstacles with your feet

• Drop any equipment you are holding

• Be aware of throw ropes coming your way

• Use the current to head for the shore

• In shallow water stand up slowly & carefully

Throw rope – as rescuer

• Grab rope (have it available!)

• Find suitable point to throw rope

• Be aware of the spot the swimmer will

pendulum into

• Can they get out or will you make it

worse?

• Throw rope beyond the casualty – not at them

• When throwing rope shout – ‘ROPE!!’

• Talk to casualty, tell them what you want them to do

Hold on & put the rope over your shoulder!

• If you miss – pull in line & throw again

• As the weight goes on the rope, brace / sit down or belay

• Do not pull the casualty in, it can cause a bow

wave

• Remember they are not rescued til on dry

land

Throw rope – as casualty

• DO NOT PANIC!

• Lie on back

• Spread arms wide to make a larger target

• Grab the rope

• Do not wrap it around your hands or tie to it

• Put rope over shoulder

• Hold on!!

• As pendulum into bank RELAX & wait

• Slowly stand up or grab onto bank

• Do not let go of rope till on the bank /

safe

Questions?