A comprehensive guide to fish
Rock pooling safety
If you fall on these, it's going to hurt!!!
Introduction
Rockpooling is great fun but it can go horribly
wrong if care isn't taken. Jagged rocks, slippery
seaweed and changing tides are a potentially
dangerous mix.
Safety is mostly down to common sense really. There
are several points worth mentioning because every
year people need to be rescued or need first aid
simply through ignoring a few basic guidelines.
Tide
Be aware of the tide and the tide timetable. Make sure that you keep an eye on incoming tides and always make sure that you have an escape route open to you. Basically make absolutely sure that you don't get cut off from land at any time.
Footwear
Wear good strong shoes/boots with good ankle support and good grip soles. It is all to easy to fall on slippery seaweed or to twist an ankle while out on the rocks. Don't get out of your depth and attempt anything risky, help may be some time away and with an incoming tide...
Sun block
Often overlooked but spending a day out on the rocks in summer, especially in places like Cornwall can and does lead to serious sunburn. Wear a hat and keep exposed skin well treated with a waterproof sunblock.
Company
There is safety in numbers. Having someone with you is makes everything more enjoyable and greatly increases safety. In the event of an accident a companion can quickly alert others and see that help arrives.