Fishing Safety Tips
Fishing can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity – we especially enjoy fishing on the Santee Cooper lakes. We encourage you to be smart and prioritize safety to ensure a fun experience for everyone involved. Here are some fishing safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear a life jacket or PFD: Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD) when you are on or near the water is the best choice for preventing accidents on your fishing trip. You won’t be able to reach it if the life jacket is on the boat when you fall in, and it’s incredibly difficult to put on while you’re in the water. Children, especially, should always wear life jackets.
- Be aware of weather conditions: Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for changes. Avoid fishing in severe weather conditions like thunderstorms or high winds, which can be dangerous.
- Understand safe boating practices: Boating safety is one of the most important skills to master when you’re on the water. Not only will you protect yourself from mishaps or miscommunications, but when you’re safe on the water, you’re protecting other fishing mates on your boat as well as nearby people in or on the water.
- Bring essential safety equipment: Carry a basic first aid kit, charge cell phones in case of emergencies, and have a whistle or signaling device and any necessary safety gear for your specific fishing location.
- Inform someone of your plans: Let a friend or family member know where you will be fishing and when you expect to return. In case of emergency, they will be able to help or alert authorities.
- Use caution when handling equipment: Hooks, lures and fishing lines can cause injuries if mishandled. Be careful when casting, removing hooks from fish, and handling sharp objects.
- Respect wildlife: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid disturbing nesting birds, wildlife habitats, or protected areas. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially if you encounter potentially dangerous species like snakes or alligators.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, and wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Dispose of waste properly: Be environmentally responsible by properly disposing of trash and fishing line. Avoid leaving any garbage or discarded fishing gear behind, as it can harm wildlife and pollute waterways.
- Follow park regulations: If you’re in a designate park or wildlife area, following regulations and adhering to fishing location restrictions will protect you from harming yourself and your boat or getting caught in a hazardous location. The park’s website can help you determine where is safe to fish so that you can research and plan your excursion ahead of time.
It’s looking to be a great spring and summer fishing season on lakes Marion and Moultrie, and we encourage you to be safe around the water and fishing gear. As stewards of the Santee Cooper Lakes, we’re in charge of maintaining the freshwater resources, and sharing them with you. For us, protecting and improving our community, including our lakes, is equally important as providing affordable electricity.
