Safety on winter fishing

Boating and fishing are as enjoyable as they are dangerous. One careless move, and you could end up in cold water. Unfortunately, such incidents often end tragically. That is why the OSVOD (All-Russian Society for the Rescue of Persons on Waters) requires fishermen to go fishing wearing life jackets and never to board a boat while intoxicated.

Before heading out on the water, thoroughly inspect the condition of your boat, ensuring it is watertight and that the oars are in good working order.

It is essential to have a lifebuoy, a life jacket, and a bucket or other container for bailing water in the boat.

When raising the anchor, it is dangerous to stand on the seat or brace your foot against the side of the boat; you should kneel and raise the anchor gradually, without jerking. It should be noted that if the anchor gets stuck in silt or mud, significant effort may be required to dislodge it, which can cause the boat to list heavily, take on water over the side, or even capsize.

If a thunderstorm or other severe weather is clearly approaching, hurry to gather all your gear, moor to the nearest shore, and securely tie down the boat.

Today, many anglers use inflatable boats. It is important to remember that these vessels require special care, as their bottom and sides can easily be punctured by sharp rocks and submerged snags.

Inflatable boats should not be anchored far from the shore, and as soon as even moderate waves appear, fishing should be stopped, and you should return to the shore. Such vessels are very unstable, so standing up in them is not allowed, and even leaning over the side is unsafe.