NWDAA RAMS for the use of Float Tubes for fishing on Smiddy Shaw reservoir.
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Issue 1 |
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Issue 2 – COVID reminder item 17 [Updated 27.3.2022] |
Proposal to use Float tubes when Fishing at Smiddy Shaw.
Method Statement.
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All appropriate Rules of NWDAA have to be followed.
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Float tube users have to be members of the BFTA.
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A life jacket has to be worn at all times when on the water meeting BS EN 396 1994.
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A safety inspection of the Tube before use must take place.
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A whistle to be carried at all times.
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No lone float tubing is allowed, it is essential that at all times when on the water there is someone else present in order that an alarm could be raised in the event of an emergency. That person may be float tubing, fishing from a boat or the bank, or even just there to accompany the person who is float tubing for safety reasons.
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The weather forecast must always be assessed before taking to the water.
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All Float tube users must register their interest and intent to Float tube on Smiddy Shaw with Tony Barclay 07810180999. A text to Tony on arrival and again when safely off the water is required.
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No float tube user to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
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No fishing within 50 meters of another float tube or boat. Anyone fishing from a Float Tube must give polite consideration to bank anglers at all times, giving them a wide berth is essential, remember that in your Float Tube you can fish the entire reservoir, whereas, bank anglers are limited to their casting distance from the bank only.
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Check mobile phone for battery charge and coverage. Add emergency numbers to your mobile.
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Ensure you are familiar with the emergency contact list below, please record the
numbers into your phone.
Emergency contact numbers .
999 for Emergency services.
Derwent Reservoir Ranger – 01207 255250
Contact – Float Tube Co-ordinator - Tony Barclay – 07810180999
Role of the Float tube Co-ordinator :
a. To be the main contact point to register any interest in Float Tubing on Smiddy.
b. Acting as a safety instructor where required - based on his own perception of any potential Float Tube user’s competency.
c. Keeping records of induction and understanding of these RAMS.
d. Receiving texts on arrival and safe departure from the reservoir [8 above].
e. Being the main contact for advice on weather conditions and whether safe or not. .
RISK ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES.
The Risk assessment below is based on the Risk rating as indicated within the Boston Square Probability/Impact system below. Each Risk explains any mitigation in place.
Risk assessment and Method Statement will be reviewed annually after season end, and/or following any related ‘incident’.
Any Impact factor rated 15 or above would have to be further mitigated but at this stage there are none.
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Low
Medium
High
Risk assessment table explanations. - [Probability x Impact]
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NWDAA RA Item . |
Hazard |
Potential risk/effect |
Risk rating without control mitigation - High, Medium or Low |
Control measures in place: |
Risk rating after mitigation ? |
Any further controls required ? |
Committee Approved ? |
Lack of Training & competency |
Inability to use and manoeuvre the float tube as intended |
High [5x4] |
All users must be members of BFTA |
Medium [2x4] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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Severely cold water |
Exposure, exhaustion, cramp |
High [4x5] |
Wear thermal underwear, dress in warm clothes particularly under waders. Leave the water, take a break have a short walk. Use whistle to attract attention if help required. |
Medium [2x5] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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Fishing in high winds from float tube. |
Risk of being driven aground, exhaustion. |
High [5x4] |
Assess the conditions, if you feel out of control seek safe area to land, find alternative sheltered area to fish. |
Medium [2x4] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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Thunderstorm / lightning |
Risk of lightning strike, death. |
High [3x5] |
Do not launch in a thunderstorm. If caught on the water and a storm hits, lower rod and seek a safe area to land.
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Medium [2x5] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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5.
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Launching |
Trip hazard, fall into water. |
Medium [3x3] |
Follow BFTA guidelines, launch from non-slippery surface, enter the water backwards with the tube behind you, walk out until water is knee depth then carefully sit down. |
Medium [2x3] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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6
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Landing |
Trip hazard, fall into water |
Medium [3x3] |
Follow BFTA guidelines, seek shallow area, paddle in until water depth is established as safe to stand, turn tube toward the bank, stand up and walk backwards.
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Medium [2x3] |
Not as yet
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Yes |
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7.
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Loss of fin |
Loss of propulsion/control |
Medium [2x3] |
BFTA guidelines recommend that fins are secured to you by straps if fin is still lost use remaining fin in a figure 8 movement to ‘scull’ this will provide enough propulsion to get you to shore. |
Low [1x3] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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8.
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Falling out of float tube on the water. |
Potential drowning |
High [3x4] |
Follow BFTA guidelines; wear a British Standard approved lifejacket at all times. Ensure crutch strap where applicable is correctly fitted.
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Medium [3x3] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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9. |
Deflation of float tube |
Potential drowning |
Medium [3x4] |
Follow BFTA guidelines; wear a British Standard approved lifejacket at all times. Carry a whistle to attract attention. |
Medium [3x3] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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10. |
Collision with boats |
Potential injury and drowning |
Medium [2x3] |
Ensure fishery management has considered risk and taken the necessary precautions to limit risk to anglers. 50m rule |
Low [1x3] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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11.
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Collision with other float tubers |
Potential injury and drowning |
Medium [2x3] |
Be aware of other anglers in boats and use whistle to alert if required. Also 50m rule
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Medium [1x3] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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12.
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Being washed over spillways or dams. |
Potential serious injury |
High [4x4] |
Only tube when low water conditions prevail or where the fishery management have assessed the risk as a whole and have provided the necessary safety precautions i.e. Buoyed off any potential hazard. |
Medium [2x4] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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13.
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Transmission of alien species or disease via equipment |
Infestation of water |
High [4x5] |
Between visits wash, disinfect and dry the tube and any other submersible equipment.
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Medium [2x5] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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14. |
Biological infection from water borne bacteria and diseases |
Contraction of viruses and diseases |
Medium [2x4] |
An anti-bacterial hand wash should be available for use to cleanse hands particularly before eating and drinking |
Low [1x4] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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15. |
Sunburn and use of protection |
Excessive sunburn |
Medium [2x4] |
In the event of excessive sunshine and heat then the use of an appropriate sunscreen for each occupant is advised. |
Low [1x4] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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16. |
Insurance cover – for float tube fishing |
Inadequate cover for club and members |
High [3x5] |
Gen Sec to ensure cover adequate for the Risks involved through Angling Trust |
Low [1x5] |
Not as yet |
Yes |
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17. |
COVID |
Various levels of feeling unwell including lack of taste, lack of smell, persistent cough, high temperature, fatigue and general weakness, difficulty with breathing and even death |
High [3x5] |
Although the Covid risk is still with us members are advised to remain cautious and avoid close contact with other as much as possible in addition to regular use of approved hand sanitiser. Please refer to Government guidelines and NWDAA will inform members of specific actions to take with regard to Covid as and when necessary |
Medium 2x5 |
Not as yet |
Yes |
