Wensum Anglers Conservation Association
 Please note that due to overwhelming membership enquiries, we have closed our waiting lists 
Health and Safety Policy 

This document should be read in conjunction with the Wensum-ACA General and Fishery Rules

SUMMARY OF POLICY STATEMENT  
  • Wensum Anglers Conservation Association (WACA) is committed to ensuring that it will do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent injury to people and damage to property.  
  • WACA will have due regard for protecting all other people who come into contact with the Association’s activities.  
  • When dealing with health and safety issues officials, members, and volunteers carrying out activities will have a clear understanding of the need to operate within the context of this policy and arrangements.   
  • Officials, members and volunteers involved in events or work parties will take all reasonable steps to safeguard all those taking part in activities and those who may be affected by them.  
  • WACA will cooperate with other organisations, landowners etc, to ensure risks are properly controlled.
SAFETY AND THE ANGLING ENVIRONMENT

Members should be aware that WACA fisheries are natural rural environments and they should accordingly treat them with respect.

Weather and water levels can change rapidly. Flooding, snow and frost, rain, high winds, strong sunshine and the onset of darkness can all make a familiar area become potentially hazardous. Members have a duty of care to themselves as well as others and to be aware and assess the potential hazards. Check forecasts of weather and river levels before travelling to our fisheries and make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear..

Please drive slowly and carefully on the fishery tracks, which are generally unmade roads with potholes. WACA cannot accept responsibility for any damage caused to vehicles. Members must park as recommended in the General Fishery Rules and on the maps supplied with annual tickets.

The fishery environment has many stiles, barbed wire fences, gates and footbridges, as well as uneven ground that could lead to tripping and falls, so great care should be taken, especially in low light conditions. Members are advised to keep someone informed of their whereabouts and likely time on the fisheries and to carry a fully charged mobile phone. Keep to established paths.

No gardening-type activities (eg tree pruning) should be undertaken without prior approval of the relevant Fishery Manager.

Livestock may be encountered almost anywhere on WACA fisheries. Take special care around cattle, particularly if there are calves or bulls present. Keep your distance or stay away.

Anglers should be aware of the presence of overhead power cables as well as some underground services. Do not fish or cast near to cables under any circumstances. 

Insect bites and stings, as well as nettles and sunburn are obvious hazards, especially in the summer months. Other risks include cuts, abrasions and piercing from wire, knives, hooks and baiting needles. Anglers are advised to carry some basic 1st aid kit and use sun protection cream as necessary.

Where wading is permitted, anglers are advised to use a stick and wear a buoyancy aid.  

Care should be taken when using portable camping stoves, especially within an enclosed space such as a bivouac or similar.

The waterside environment carries some risk of infections, viruses and diseases. Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis) is a serious bacterial infection carried in animal urine, especially rats. Coronavirus is a highly infectious and potentially fatal respiratory virus that is passed between people. Members must keep up to date with government guidelines and observe such accordingly. WACA strongly recommends that anglers carry a small antibacterial hand wash to ensure bankside hygiene and to avoid skin contact with lake or river water. Should you suffer flu-like symptoms after fishing you should immediately consult an appropriate clinician.

If any member has underlying health conditions, it is their responsibility to take all necessary precautions.

Anglers may encounter legal animal traps whilst fishing WACA waters. These should be left alone. Concerns about their legality should be reported to the relevant fishery manager.

If pulling against a snag or playing a pike, beware of flying leads or hooks should the tackle suddenly become free.

All anglers have a responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Any anglers behaving irresponsibly may be the subject of appropriate disciplinary action by the committee.

Any health and safety concerns or incidents should immediately be reported to the fishery manager, bailiff or committee member, by telephone or email.

Finally thank you for your cooperation and reading these notes fully through – now please go and enjoy your fishing on our spectacular fisheries!

Wensum-ACA Executive Committee March 2021 
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