8 Essential Fishing Safety Tips For Kids

You might not realize that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-14, making fishing safety far more critical than most parents assume. When you’re planning that first fishing trip with your kids, you’ll need more than just bait and patience—you’ll need a solid understanding of potential hazards that can turn a peaceful day by the water into a dangerous situation. Here’s what every parent must know before casting that first line.

Key Points

• Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and never fish alone without adult supervision within arm’s reach.
• Look around before casting to avoid hitting others and ask adults for help with baiting hooks or removing fish.
• Wear non-slip shoes and move slowly on wet surfaces like docks, rocks, or muddy banks to prevent falls.
• Keep a basic first aid kit nearby and never attempt to remove embedded hooks without adult assistance.
• Inform someone of your fishing location and return time, plus carry communication devices for emergencies.

Always Wear a Life Jacket Near Water

When you’re heading out for a fishing adventure, the most important piece of gear isn’t your rod or tackle box—it’s your life jacket. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, accidents happen fast around water. You could slip on wet rocks, get tangled in fishing line, or face unexpected weather changes.

Choose a properly fitted life jacket that’s Coast Guard-approved. It shouldn’t be too loose or too tight—you should be able to move comfortably while staying secure.

Wear it from the moment you approach the water until you’re completely done fishing. Don’t just bring it along; actually put it on.

Handle Fishing Hooks and Sharp Equipment Properly

How quickly can a fun fishing trip turn dangerous? Sharp hooks and equipment can cause serious injuries in seconds if you’re not careful. Always ask an adult to help you handle hooks, especially when baiting or removing them from fish. Keep your hooks in a tackle box when you’re not using them – never leave them lying around where someone could step on them or grab them accidentally.

When casting your line, look around first to make sure no one’s behind you. Hold your rod firmly and move slowly. If a hook gets stuck in someone’s skin, don’t try to remove it yourself – get an adult immediately.

Since outdoor activities often attract mosquitoes and other insects, make sure to treat any bug bites promptly to prevent infection and discomfort during your fishing adventure.

Apply Sunscreen and Wear Protective Clothing

Sharp equipment isn’t the only danger you’ll face while fishing – the sun can be just as harmful to your skin and eyes. You’ll spend hours outdoors with minimal shade, making sun protection essential.

Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher thirty minutes before heading out. Don’t forget often-missed spots like your ears, neck, and feet. Reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or getting wet.

Don’t skip the often-forgotten spots like ears, neck, and feet when applying your SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants made from lightweight, breathable fabric. A wide-brimmed hat protects your face and neck better than a baseball cap. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the water while protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays.

Choose light-colored clothing that reflects heat rather than absorbing it. You’ll stay cooler and more comfortable throughout your fishing adventure.

If you’re planning an extended fishing trip, consider whether renting a boat might be more practical than purchasing one for occasional use.

Stay Alert Around Slippery Banks and Wet Surfaces

While you’re focused on casting your line, wet rocks and muddy banks create dangerous slip hazards that can send you tumbling into the water. Always test your footing before taking steps, especially on moss-covered rocks or steep embankments. Wear shoes with good grip rather than flip-flops or smooth-soled sneakers that’ll turn you into a slip-and-slide victim.

Keep your movements slow and deliberate when moving around wet areas. If you need to reach for something, crouch down instead of leaning over – it’s much safer and gives you better balance. Watch for algae-covered surfaces that look innocent but are incredibly slippery.

When walking on docks or piers, pay attention to wet spots from other anglers or morning dew. Your fishing adventure should end with great memories, not a trip to the emergency room.

Just like hikers who practice staying safe from wildlife during mountain expeditions, young anglers should develop good safety habits early to prevent accidents near water.

Maintain Constant Adult Supervision

Even if you’re an experienced young angler, you should never fish alone – adult supervision isn’t just recommended, it’s essential for your safety. Adults can quickly respond to emergencies, help you handle equipment properly, and make critical decisions when conditions change unexpectedly.

A responsible adult supervisor should always:

• Stay within arm’s reach when you’re near water, especially if you can’t swim well
• Monitor weather conditions and decide when it’s time to leave
• Assist with handling fish, removing hooks, and managing tackle safely

Your adult supervisor doesn’t need to be a fishing expert, but they should understand basic water safety principles. They’re your safety net when things go wrong, from tangled lines to sudden weather changes.

Never wander off or fish from different spots without telling them first.

Fishing trips create wonderful opportunities for family camping adventures that combine outdoor skills with quality bonding time.

Learn Basic First Aid for Common Fishing Injuries

Although fishing injuries are usually minor, knowing how to treat cuts, puncture wounds, and embedded hooks can save you pain and prevent complications.

For minor cuts, clean your hands first, then rinse the wound with clean water and apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. Cover with a bandage once bleeding stops.

If a hook gets embedded in skin, don’t pull it out yourself—this can cause more damage. Cut the fishing line and seek adult help immediately.

For puncture wounds from hooks or sharp fins, clean the area gently and apply antiseptic if available.

Always carry a basic first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze. Consider bringing a camping first aid kit since these are typically more comprehensive and better suited for outdoor activities where medical help may be far away.

Keep a Safe Distance From Other Anglers

Beyond treating injuries when they happen, you can prevent many fishing accidents by giving other anglers plenty of space. Crowded fishing spots create dangerous situations where hooks, lines, and lures can easily tangle or injure someone nearby.

Always maintain at least 30 feet between you and the nearest angler when possible. This gives everyone room to cast safely without worrying about hitting others. When fishing from a pier or boat, be extra careful since space is limited.

Key spacing guidelines to follow:

• Watch your backcast – Look behind you before every cast to ensure no one’s in your swing path
• Communicate your moves – Tell nearby anglers when you’re casting or reeling in a big fish
• Choose less crowded spots – Pick fishing locations with fewer people, especially during peak times

Just as glacier climbing requires careful navigation of dangerous terrain, fishing safely demands awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards.

Respect fosters safer, more enjoyable fishing experiences for everyone.

Pack Emergency Supplies and Communication Devices

When fishing trips take you to remote locations or out on the water, having the right emergency supplies can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious situation. Pack a waterproof first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for cuts or hook injuries.

Proper emergency supplies can transform a potential fishing disaster into a manageable situation when you’re miles from help.

Include a whistle for signaling help, waterproof matches, and emergency snacks like granola bars.

You’ll need reliable communication devices too. A fully charged cell phone in a waterproof case works in areas with service, but consider a two-way radio for remote locations. Some families invest in satellite communicators for serious wilderness fishing.

Don’t forget extra batteries and portable chargers. Always tell someone your fishing location and expected return time before leaving home. If you’re planning overnight fishing adventures, consider bringing a hammock camping setup as a lightweight shelter option that keeps you off the ground and comfortable.

Sum Up

You’ll want to remember these safety tips because drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with many incidents happening during recreational water activities like fishing. Don’t let statistics scare you away from creating amazing memories with your kids on the water. Instead, use them as motivation to prioritize safety every single time. When you’re prepared and vigilant, fishing becomes an incredible bonding experience that’ll last a lifetime. Stay safe out there!