While out fishing on the water, it’s almost impossible to not think about emergencies that may occur. It’s important to be prepared for the worst to happen. Whether you have fallen over your boat, gotten stuck in a thunderstorm, or suffered from dehydration, being prepared for these emergencies will take much of the risk out of a bad situation. Having the right skills and equipment may not only help you, but also others who may need help along the way. Here are some tips to help you handle off-shore emergencies while fishing.

Research

Randomly heading out on a new body of water is not exactly safe. Researching the area where you plan on fishing beforehand will help you prepare for emergencies. Some bodies of water may consist of more rocks than others, as well as sandbars that aren’t visible from shore. Consider looking at the weather forecast in search of a chance of rain and wind. Weather plays a big role in emergencies, as you may be stuck off-shore for a while until a storm clears up. If you plan on using new equipment for the first time, it’s important to research how it works in certain bodies of water. For example, if you’re used to a boat, but plan on using a new kayak today, you should search for kayak fishing safety tips before going out.

Experience

If you have successfully gone fishing without any accidents, chances are you haven’t been doing it right. It’s common to fall overboard while fishing, whether it’s just you or the entire boat. You’re left soaking wet in cold water and will have most likely lost some of the boating equipment. Practicing your swimming skills before going out can help you prepare for emergencies like this. Learn more about lifting yourself and others back up into your boat from the water. You can prepare yourself to remain calm during emergencies based on previous experience.

Safety

After a long day out fishing in the summertime heat, you may find yourself more tired than usual. Staying afloat in the water will be a little harder with less energy, so consider packing life vests for everyone on board. Other boat safety equipment, such as flares and whistles can also be beneficial. Think about taking a first-aid course to learn skills that will help you provide treatment to anyone who is injured. A first-aid kit full of bandages and antiseptics can help you in many common fishing accidents.

Off-shore emergencies may not be as bad as one thinks, but not being on land is nerve-wracking. Being prepared by planning and having the proper skills and equipment, so that your fishing trip can go smoothly. Be safe and have fun!