Hypothermia

[walksinwater]

After reading about a fishing report concerning hypothermia, I began to ponder about my fishing safety.

The is a new article posted on Fly anglers on Line about Hypothermia.

One thought after reading this, is to inform someone where EXACTLY you will be fishing. Plus the time of expected return.

I fish by myself alone most of the time, and seldom inform some where I am going.

So....Because there is just a few minutes react.

A cell phone in a water tight bag to inform some one on my last minute changes of where I am exactly and a call back time when my fishing is completed. Plus emegency numbers pre programed.
( frozen fingers.)

Chemical heat packs carried in my vest, if not for my comfort and safety, maybe to save someone. I noticed heat pacs being offered at the FYAO day.

Fly fishing with someone, or a group. It was a good experience fishing today with a group every one was relatively within eyesight of someone.

Maybe there is a positve aspect to fishing on a river with crowds.

Any other thoughts and suggestions?

[Ouzel]

Some good points to keep in the front of our minds. I've only gone down a river once (the Green) and it was no fun. It was mid afternoon and they were raising the water (???) and I tried to get back across the river where I had crossed earlier. Fortunately it was a warm Nov. day, was wearing neos, and just by the south ramp at Little Hole. I got back to the truck, changed clothes, dried the waders with a towel as best I could and got back to fishing. It was the spawn and an egg pattern would take fish after fish after fish. No way I quitting early just because I'm a little damp.
I think especially in winter we should all be MORE CAREFUL when wading.