1 General Statement of Intent
It is the policy of Peterborough & District Angling Association to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of all members, volunteers, junior anglers, and visitors at our waters and storage facilities.
We accept our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and other relevant legislation to:
- Provide adequate control of health and safety risks arising from our activities.
- Consult with volunteers and members on matters affecting their health and safety.
- Ensure that volunteers and coaches are competent for their roles, with appropriate training.
- Prevent accidents and cases of activity-related ill health.
- Review and revise this policy at regular intervals.
P&DAA holds public liability insurance through the Angling Trust club scheme, which covers our members and volunteers in the course of P&DAA activities.
2 Responsibilities
2.1 The Leadership Team
The Chairman and Heads of department have overall responsibility for health and safety, ensuring resources are available to implement this policy and that risk assessments are reviewed annually. The Head of Fisheries leads on bankside risk; the Head of Enforcement leads on incident response and bailiff coordination.
2.2 Match Organisers, Coaches, and Bailiffs
On any organised event or coached session, the responsible volunteer must:
- Carry out a Dynamic Risk Assessment on arrival (water levels, bank stability, overhead power lines, weather).
- Ensure adult-to-junior ratios at coached sessions adhere to Angling Trust guidance (typically 1:4 or 1:6 depending on water type).
- Confirm First Aid kits and throw lines are accessible.
- Brief participants on emergency procedures and the location of muster points.
2.3 Members and Volunteers
Everyone fishing at, working at, or visiting a P&DAA water has a duty to:
- Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
- Cooperate with the Leadership Team on health and safety matters.
- Use equipment correctly and safely.
- Report any hazards immediately to the Head of Fisheries (broken platforms, dangerous trees, unsafe bank, etc.).
3 Specific Angling Risks & Control Measures
3.1 Water Safety
- Deep water: swims with steep banks or excessive depth are not used by junior anglers without life jackets.
- Throw lines: a dedicated throw line (minimum 20m) must be present at every organised junior session.
- Falling in: the "Reach, Throw, Wade (only if safe), Row" protocol applies. Volunteers must not enter deep water to rescue unless trained and it is safe to do so.
3.2 Casting & Hooks (PPE)
- Eye protection: mandatory for all juniors and coaches at organised sessions. Strongly recommended for all members at all times while fishing.
- Barbless or micro-barbed hooks: required at all P&DAA waters per club rules.
- Casting zones: coaches must ensure a minimum 5-metre safe distance between adjacent anglers at organised events.
3.3 Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis)
- Members and volunteers are made aware of the risks of waterborne diseases carried by rat urine.
- Hand hygiene: anti-bacterial gel or wipes must be used before eating and after handling fish or water.
- Cuts and grazes: must be covered with waterproof plasters before fishing begins.
3.4 Weather & Environmental
- Lightning: all fishing ceases immediately. Carbon-fibre rods conduct electricity. Members must move away from the water and lay rods flat on the ground.
- Overhead power lines: no fishing within 30 metres of overhead cables. "Look up, look out" is mandatory.
- Flooding: waters subject to flooding are closed at the discretion of the Head of Fisheries. Members must not fish closed waters.
4 First Aid
- A qualified First Aider must be present at every organised junior session.
- A fully stocked First Aid kit (compliant with HSE standards) travels with the lead coach or match organiser.
- Medical disclosure forms for juniors are held in physical or electronic form by the lead coach for the duration of any session.
5 Equipment and Storage
P&DAA operates storage facilities for shared equipment, signage, fishery tools, and stock-management gear. Storage facilities are not staffed and access is restricted to nominated key holders.
- Tackle and equipment: rods, poles, and reels provided for coached sessions are inspected before use. Damaged items are removed from service.
- Storage facility access: only Leadership Team members and nominated volunteers hold keys. A simple sign-in/sign-out is operated for any equipment removed.
- Hazardous materials: any chemicals (e.g. boat fuel, water-treatment products, weed killer) are stored under lock with appropriate signage and COSHH data sheets where relevant.
6 Accident Reporting (RIDDOR)
- Accident book: all accidents on P&DAA waters or at P&DAA events, however minor, are recorded.
- RIDDOR: under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, certain serious incidents (fractures, drowning, hospitalisation, death) must be reported to the Health and Safety Executive. The Chairman or Head of Enforcement is responsible for making any such report.
7 Emergency Procedures
In the event of a serious emergency at a P&DAA water or event:
- Stop activity: alert all anglers nearby.
- Assess: the lead volunteer assesses the danger.
- Call 999 if necessary. Use What3Words or the postcode/access road to give location.
- Evacuate juniors and visitors to the designated muster point (usually the car park).
- Contact parents immediately for any junior incident, using emergency contact details.
- Inform the Leadership Team as soon as practicable, regardless of severity.