Northern Powergrid has launched a new campaign targeting digital savvy anglers and urging them not to make their next catch deadly.
The campaign, which coincides with National Fishing Month (22 July-29 August), will provide life-saving advice and encourage anglers to be aware and look around for overhead electricity lines so they can stay safe when fishing.
Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the network that delivers electricity to 3.9 million homes and businesses across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is using the four-week campaign to reach out to the growing number of anglers who use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share pictures about their hobby and catches.
Fishing rods and poles made from carbon fibre and similar materials will conduct electricity, with many other materials also allowing electricity to flow along them when wet. At higher voltages electricity may jump short distances through the air. This means that angling equipment does not even have to touch an overhead power line for anyone holding it to suffer an electric shock and burns that could result in death.
Geoff Earl, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Safety, Health and the Environment, said: “Thousands of people across our operating area are keen anglers and we want to help them enjoy their hobby safely. We also want those who may be trying it for the first time, as a result of National Fishing Month, to be aware and get off to the best possible start by learning to fish smart from day one.
“It’s crucial that anglers always check their surroundings for overhead lines and only unpack and set up at the water’s edge once they are sure it’s safe to do so. They should also pack up their rod at the water’s edge and never walk with it.”
Naidre Werner, Project Manager of National Fishing Month said: “National Fishing Month is all about encouraging everyone to have a go at fishing, no matter what their age or previous experience. However it’s vitally important that anglers, new or old, remember to fish safely. Northern Powergrid’s campaign is an important reminder to everyone taking part in the sport to ensure they are always aware of their surroundings and stay away from overhead power lines.”
A copy of Northern Powergrid’s easy-to-read Angling Safety Guide is available to download on www.northernpowergrid.com .
If anglers to do find themselves in an emergency situation:
- do not attempt to move the fishing equipment or person if either is still in contact with, or close to, the overhead power line
- electricity lines may stay live after contact or maybe re-energised automatically or remotely without warning
- prevent third parties from entering the incident area
- maintain at least a five- metre clearance
- contact the Emergency Services through 999 and request an ambulance, if required
- contact Northern Powergrid on 0800 66 88 77 (North East, North Yorkshire) or 0800 375 675 (Yorkshire, northern Lincolnshire) so that the power line can be made safe.
