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News Release:
Fishing Accidents Trigger Safety Reminders
[Shield]: US Forest Service

US Forest Service
Six Rivers National Forest

Contact:
Julie Ranieri
(707) 441-3673
jranieri@fs.fed.us

Eureka, March 27, 2007

The Water Safety Coalition of Northwestern California would like to remind anglers to be extra careful when fishing any of our waters on the north coast.

"The number of fishing and drift boat accidents in the past few months reminds us to be cautious and look for hazards when recreating on local rivers," said Bob Hemus, Six Rivers National Forest River Manager. "By following some simple safety tips, you can be assured your visit to the river will be a safe and enjoyable one," continued Hemus.

Some safety principles to keep in mind:

  • Wear a life jacket for all river activities.
  • River currents can be dangerous and may be stronger than they look. If you find yourself caught in a current, float on your back, feet downstream until the current weakens and you can swim to shore.
  • Jumping or falling into cold water, because of the initial shock and rapid heat loss that follows, is especially dangerous and can lead to hypothermia.
  • For anglers wearing waders, a belt should be secured around the top of the waders to prevent water from filling up the boots if they accidentally fall or slip into the water or are caught by swift currents.
  • Keep a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. They can quickly enter the water and get in trouble when your attention is diverted for only a moment. Children should always wear a life jacket when on or around the water.
  • Don’t go in the water after someone in trouble. Rescue from shore and get help.
  • High river levels and strong flows can often create new river hazards, such as submerged logs (strainers); boulder and channel movement can also change river hydraulics.
  • Any time a person visits North Coast rivers, it is recommended they inform a responsible person of their location and planned return time.

"I encourage people to contact Bob Hemus, Six Rivers National Forest River Manager, at 530-627-3291 or the nearest Forest Service office closest to where they’ll be recreating to find out the latest river conditions and any other safety information pertinent to their visit," said Pamela Moore, Coordinator for the Water Safety Coalition. "Local river outfitters and guides are also good sources of information concerning river conditions since they are on local rivers almost daily," continued Moore.

The Water Safety Coalition of Northwest California also provides more information on water safety at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers/recreation/water-safety.

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