Rhayader & Elan Valley Angling Association
Risk Statement For All Waters
To be read and accepted by all anglers prior to fishing.
Hazards
1) Medical emergency whilst fishing alone with no telephone signal
2) Drowning
3) Slips, trips and falls
4) Damage to eyes from flies, lures, hooks etc.
5) Dehydration, sunburn, heatstroke, hypothermia.
6) Poisonous plants causing death or illness
7) Ticks - Lymes disease
8) Cuts -Weils disease and Tetanus
9) Unpredictable or aggressive cattle
10) Vehicles slipping into water
11) Getting lost on hills resulting in exposure issues
12) Lightening – electrocution
1,a) There is no mobile phone signal in most of the Elan and Claerwen Valley area. Please bear this in mind if you have a medical condition and fish with a partner.
1,b) If fishing alone please tell somebody where you are going and what time you plan to return.
2,a) There are many areas of very deep water on all of our waters. If you are wading unfamiliar areas please use a staff and wear a life jacket.
2,b) Please be aware that water can be released from dams at any time and without warning. If you are wading in a river fed by a dam and notice a sudden rise in water level, you should make your way to the bank immediately.
2,c) During low water levels, very deep mud can be exposed on reservoir banks. Please take extra care if walking in these areas.
2,d) Boats should not be used when the lake has ice over it. If blown towards ice the boat can rise up and over the ice possibly causing it to tip over.
2,e) In strong winds there is a possibility of boats overturning. Boats should therefore not be used in these conditions.
3,a) The terrain around our waters can be rocky, boggy and slippery. Please use adequate footwear, staffs etc to avoid slips trips and falls.
3,b) Stiles can be very slippery when wet. Please take care when using them.
3,c) Please take great care when getting in and out of boats at Llyngwyn. The boards in the boat house may be very slippery. Please also refer to rules relating to boats.
4) Eye protection should be worn when fishing to avoid accidents with flies, lures, hooks etc.
5) Please remember to take drinks, hats and sun screen with you when fishing. The weather can change rapidly. Warm clothing should also be carried if temperature drops.
6,a) It is advisable that anglers make themselves familiar with certain types of plants which may been present on our waters before fishing. Poisonous plants such as Water Hemlock and Foxgloves may be found around our waters. Please take care not to get sap or plant residue on your hands. If you do come in contact with it make sure you wash the areas with clean water immediately and if concerned visit your healthcare specialist.
6,b) Giant hogweed can cause a very serious burn if skin gets in contact with the toxic sap. Once again please wash any sap/plant residue off your hands immediately. If you get in contact with what looks like hogweed and develop rash or burns make sure you wash the area and see a healthcare specialist as soon as possible.
7) Ticks bites can cause Lymes disease. Socks should be tucked into trousers if waders are not being worn. Care must be taken when removing ticks to make sure that they are fully removed. If in doubt please consult a healthcare specialist.
8,a) Cuts, grazes etc can lead to infections from Tetanus and Weils disease. Always wash cuts with clean water and use waterproof plasters. If concerned visit a health care specialist.
8,b) Many fences have barbed wire along the top. Only use styles to cross. Do not attempt to traverse fences without stIles as this can cause injury and damage to clothing as well as damage to the fence itself.
9) Most of our waters are surrounded by fields which may contain cattle. If they are spooked or have young calves they can be unpredictable and sometimes aggressive. Please bear this in mind when walking across farm land.
10) Care should be taken when driving close to water. Particularly if the ground is slippery or frozen. Avoid parking vehicles facing the water.
11,a) R&EVAA control several remote hill lakes above the Elan and Claerwen Valley's. Please bear in mind that the terrain is difficult and most do not have roads leading to them. It is advisable to take a map and GPS tracking equipment which others can access to avoid getting lost when walking to these lakes.
11,b) Mist and fog can descend rapidly on the hills making it difficult to find your way back. Follow the advice above and make sure somebody knows where you are going and what time you plan on getting back. Also make sure you wear appropriate clothing
12) Fishing rods are very good conductors of electricity. If you see lightening or hear thunder it is recommended that you place your rod flat on the ground and take shelter (car etc not under a tree) until the weather clears. Also be aware of overhead power lines.
