Post by jc10 on Jul 5, 2020 6:34:21 GMT -5
Below is a post I entered in the RISAA-Fly Group network yesterday, thought it was an appropriate message for NSC members also. Even if you're not a flyfisher, the broader concept of safety awareness for yourself and for others around you cannot be overemphasized. Stay safe out there!
Fellow flyrodders,
Spent this am casting into the early incoming tide at a local beach. Approximately 2 hours of fishing landed 3 schoolies, 1 decent size 23"-24". All 3 on Ray's fly.
But the real purpose of this report is not about landing fish ... as I was walking along the beach to return to my vehicle this morning, I decided to make a few more casts into one of my favorite spots. It had been a beautiful morning and I wanted to squeeze out a bit more fun before departing for home. On my 3rd cast, I was surprised that I hung up my fly on my backswing. My first thought was, how could this happen on the beach. I turned around to investigate and, to my dismay, I saw an elderly woman standing behind me looking stunned and afraid. Oh my, what did I do to her??? Then, since she did not appear to be in pain, I was somewhat relieved hoping that my hook only penetrated her clothing or, if I was really lucky, just nicked her clothing and flew by her. As I got closer to her, as she remained completely still and looking scared, she pointed to her neck area. I noticed a scarf and then saw the tip of my fly hook barely stuck in her scarf. I was able to remove the fly easily and was thankful that my crushed barb allowed me to do that without damaging her beautiful scarf. After we both realized that this was a close call, but was over, she apologized for standing behind me. I apologized and said to her that it was my fault for not being more attentive to my surroundings while casting.. I did suggest to her that while walking the beach in the future she should never go behind someone fishing without being sure that they knew she was there. She seemed to appreciate that advice, thanked me and moved on. I thanked her, took a very deep breath, and reflected about how lucky I was this time.
I spent 40+ years in manufacturing and safety awareness was a huge part of what I lived each and every day. My company preached safety, not only at work but also at home. I thought I was pretty good at incorporating safety into everything I do. Today, unfortunately, I let the excitement of the moment cause me to have a lapse in my safety awareness.
I hope this message causes all flyrodders to take 2 minutes to rethink their safety practices while doing what we all enjoy so much.
Happy 4th to everyone!
Fellow flyrodders,
Spent this am casting into the early incoming tide at a local beach. Approximately 2 hours of fishing landed 3 schoolies, 1 decent size 23"-24". All 3 on Ray's fly.
But the real purpose of this report is not about landing fish ... as I was walking along the beach to return to my vehicle this morning, I decided to make a few more casts into one of my favorite spots. It had been a beautiful morning and I wanted to squeeze out a bit more fun before departing for home. On my 3rd cast, I was surprised that I hung up my fly on my backswing. My first thought was, how could this happen on the beach. I turned around to investigate and, to my dismay, I saw an elderly woman standing behind me looking stunned and afraid. Oh my, what did I do to her??? Then, since she did not appear to be in pain, I was somewhat relieved hoping that my hook only penetrated her clothing or, if I was really lucky, just nicked her clothing and flew by her. As I got closer to her, as she remained completely still and looking scared, she pointed to her neck area. I noticed a scarf and then saw the tip of my fly hook barely stuck in her scarf. I was able to remove the fly easily and was thankful that my crushed barb allowed me to do that without damaging her beautiful scarf. After we both realized that this was a close call, but was over, she apologized for standing behind me. I apologized and said to her that it was my fault for not being more attentive to my surroundings while casting.. I did suggest to her that while walking the beach in the future she should never go behind someone fishing without being sure that they knew she was there. She seemed to appreciate that advice, thanked me and moved on. I thanked her, took a very deep breath, and reflected about how lucky I was this time.
I spent 40+ years in manufacturing and safety awareness was a huge part of what I lived each and every day. My company preached safety, not only at work but also at home. I thought I was pretty good at incorporating safety into everything I do. Today, unfortunately, I let the excitement of the moment cause me to have a lapse in my safety awareness.
I hope this message causes all flyrodders to take 2 minutes to rethink their safety practices while doing what we all enjoy so much.
Happy 4th to everyone!