Ladies, Gents, Boys n' Girls

This incident report is sent to you to hopefully prevent any misinformation.

At the weekend at Luckfield Lake, one of our members was fishing Peg 6 & while packing up, had a 'turn' & fell into the water, this was seen by the only other member fishing; 'Charles Chapman' who immediately went to assist. Unable to lift the chap out of the water (unresponsive), he held him against the peg and called for help 'loudly' and by chance, a couple of other members: 'Charlie Harris' & his Grandad 'Ray Harris' were just arriving & ran around to assist, they lifted him out, called for an ambulance & Charlie carried out CPR until they arrived approx' 15 minutes later. The medics took over & eventually the member managed to walk (attended) to the ambulance & taken to hospital. He spent a couple of days in hospital and after many tests was allowed home on Monday afternoon.  It turned out to be a totally unexpected fit, he is only in his 30s & normally very fit!

The moral of this report is that it could happen to ANYONE at ANYTIME while fishing.  We know that one of the main reasons why we go fishing is the solitude, peace and quiet but please be advised of a few things:

1. Make sure someone knows where you are & know your estimated return time (within reason of course).

2. Carry a mobile phone.. but not in your pocket whilst on the bank.

3. BUDDY FISH whenever possible.  If this incident had happened without anyone else there at the time.. the outcome could have been dreadful.

4. Sign in & out wherever the fishery requests PLEASE!

Charles Chapman, Charlie Harris, Ray Harris, the NHS & Ambulance service:  DDAS / The members family & friends are forever in your Debt.  THANK YOU!!

The DDAS Chairman & Committee