Fishing in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska is a way of life for many of our residents. It also offers a chance to enjoy a magnificent environment and engage in an exciting activity. Yet, fishing also comes with health risks that could result in a trip to a healthcare provider offering emergency care. Follow these safety tips to avoid emergencies so that you can get the most out of your excursion.
Need help with fishing safety? Contact Cama’i Community Health Center for complete health services!
Be Aware of the Risks
Long-term rural Alaskan residents understand the dangers of fishing in Alaska, such as extreme temperatures, cold water, and encounters with dangerous wildlife. If you are new to Alaska, it’s a good idea to take some time to talk to long-time residents and do some research on your own.
However, no matter whether you are a new resident or you have been here for years, it is always important to check weather conditions on the day you start your fishing trip. Watch a weather forecast or go to a reputable weather website. Check the expected air and water temperatures, anticipated changes in conditions, and any storm warnings. Even if you do not cancel fishing trips based on the information you gather, you will likely be more vigilant to avoid danger, better prepared, and ready to spring into action if you know what to expect before you go.
Use Safety Equipment
Having proper safety gear, such as life jackets, could mean the difference between a great fishing trip and a disaster. Many people choose not to wear a life jacket. They may feel it is restricting or annoying. It is easy to dismiss the need for life jackets if you have never been saved by one. However, the possibility that the life vest could save you from drowning in cold Alaskan waters outweighs the small inconvenience of wearing one. You can also get flotation devices to keep in your boat.
Survival suits, also known as immersion suits are available to protect your body if you fall into cold water. Because survival suits are waterproof, it is easier to maintain a livable body temperature while you are in the water. Remember, falls into the water can happen whether you are boat fishing or enjoying a day of rock and ledge fishing.
Make Good Health and Fitness an Everyday Priority
Good health and physical fitness are important every day. One of the best fishing safety tips is to stay in good health all the time. If you are already in good condition before you go fishing, you may be able to avoid many of the dangers it presents. Your body will respond quickly and sufficiently more often if you are already in shape. You are more likely to be injured if your body is in poor physical health before you leave for your trip. So, eat the right amount of healthy foods, exercise regularly, and see your physician whenever you notice problems with your health.
Pay Attention While Fishing
Pay extra attention to your body on the days you go fishing. Even if you are already generally healthy, it is easy to forget hydration and nourishment when you are caught up in the excitement of pursuing the biggest fish. Bring enough water with you to stay hydrated throughout your fishing trip. Bring enough food to last until you finish your trip. And don’t forget to eat and drink. Also, when you arrive at your fishing spot, apply sunscreen and reapply as recommended on the bottle to avoid severe sunburns.
Have a Reliable Way to Communicate
Fishing in rural Alaska may present situations where you need to contact emergency services immediately. Everyone has a cellphone today, but if your cellphone does not work or gets lost, it does you no good. It helps to get a waterproof case for your phone, but you should also place it in a dry, waterproof bag. The phone could also be dropped into the water and lost. One way to avoid that is to attach the bag to your life jacket. Fully charge your phone before you head out.
Bring a Well-Stocked First-Aid Kit
A first-aid kit can help you prevent small problems from becoming big problems. A minor cut could lead to an infection, for example. Bring a first-aid kit that is stocked with plenty of gauze, tape, bandages, tweezers, antiseptic towelettes or cream, pressure wrap, and ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Make it a habit to inventory your first-aid kit every time you go out to fish. All too often, fishermen start with a stocked first-aid kit. Then, after using it for several fishing trips, they find themselves without the items they need. That is why you should make it a part of the preparation each time to make sure you still have a full kit.
Know What to Do If Fishing Injuries Happen
No matter how well-prepared you are, injuries can still happen. Responding the wrong way can increase the severity of the injury. The following are a few types of injuries that fishermen face.
Fish Hook Injuries
Even if you are very careful, you may get a fish hook lodged in your hand, eye, or another part of your body. When fishing hooks get stuck in your hand, you might be able to cut off the barb and pull the slender part through. However, sometimes the hook is deeply embedded and can’t be removed as easily. In that case, the best thing you can do is to cover the hook and seek medical care.
Getting a fish hook in your eye is a serious condition. If it happens, you need emergency care as soon as possible. Do not even try to get the hook out if it is in your eye or anywhere near your eye, such as your eyelid. Avoid putting pressure on the eye and get emergency care as quickly as possible.
Deep Cuts
Fishermen often use sharp, heavy-duty knives for many fishing-related tasks. You can take care of a minor cut with your first-aid kit. But what if the cut is deeper? In that case, you should try to control the bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound. For this, a pressure dressing can help. Clean the surrounding skin and irrigate the wound with water. Put a gauze dressing on it along with some antibiotic cream. Then, get to your healthcare center for complete treatment.
Cama’i Community Health Center: Bristol Bay Fishermen’s Go-To Health Provider
At Cama’i Community Health Center, we help fishermen in Naknek, South Naknek, and King Salmon improve their overall health with primary care, behavioral health, and dietician services. We help you become and stay healthier for all life’s challenges. Our emergency care services are there if you need them, whether you have a fishing-related incident or any other urgent situation.
Fishing is always fun, and it can be exciting at times. It is a pastime that few fishermen would ever give up for long. Of course, it does come with some risks, especially in Alaska. Fortunately, your Cama’i team understands. We are here to help you improve your overall health, provide emergency services, primary care services, and offer guidance on the safety issues you face. We are here to make your life (and your next fishing trip) better!
Are you looking for a primary and emergency care provider that understands fishermen’s needs? Set up an appointment with Cama’iCommunity Health Center today!
