Wader Safety Training for Anglers transcript

Heading on screen says 'Wader Safety Training for Anglers'.

Background image is man standing in lake flyfishing.

Voiceover - This project is funded by the Victorian Government using recreational fishing licence fees and has been prepared by the Ballarat Fly Fishers Club.

Voiceover - The aim of this video is to demonstrate to anglers some basic water safety techniques and importantly how to swim safely to the shore should you be unfortunate enough to fall in the water.

Voiceover - New topic is introduced called 'Know your gear' against a plain beige background.

Diagram of four different wader styles appears on screen with water lapping at their knees.

Voiceover - There are a variety of waders to choose from for fishing including thigh, boot foot, stocking foot and wader pants. Choose your waders carefully to not only meet your fishing requirements, but when buying waders consider your safety should you fall in the water.

Diagram of wader with water level up near the chest.

Voiceover - A common misconception of waders is that once filled they will pull you under. However, in reality, some waders depending on what they're made of will help you to float.

Background photo of still lake.

Heading on screen says 'Water filled waders will not drag you under.

Voiceover - It is important to remember that water filled waders will not drag you under because the water inside your waders is the same density as the water outside.

Background is beige and heading of 'Safety gear' appears on screen.

Then video of man wearing chest waders appears.

Voiceover - Waders keep you dry and warm whilst in the water. However, if you happen to fall in they will fill. Use the wader waste cord or a suitable wader belt to trap air in your waders and slow the flow of water into your waders. Air trapped in your waders together with your body fat and air in your lungs will assist in keeping you buoyant. Make sure the wader belt is secure before you enter the water.

Background is man in waders. Video starts at his feet and climbs up his torso. The we see him do up a wader belt buckle.
Voiceover - breathable waders, like all waders, also require a wader belt.

Background shot is a piece of neoprene material.

Voiceover - Neoprene is the most buoyant wader material.

Background shot of wader socks.

Voiceover - Wearing neoprene booties will not only keep your feet warm, but will provide additional buoyancy for your legs.

Shot of man lacing up boots over the top of wader socks.

Voiceover - Select wader boots that have some buoyancy and will protect your feet as well as provide grip on slippery surfaces.

New beige background with heading saying 'Personal flotation device'

Voiceover - PFD's or personal flotation devices are essential when fishing in hazardous situations, such as fast flowing or deep rivers.

Man wearing waders putting on PFD. Then he buckles it up, then shows us how it works, the gas canister to inflate it and the whistle.

Voiceover - When wearing a PFD, make sure it is a snug fit and always on the outside of your clothing. Make sure all the buckles and straps are tight to stop the PFD coming off in the water. Check your PFD regularly and ensure you are familiar with its operation.

Close up of man's wrist with Velcro straps being done up.

Voiceover - In addition, snug fitting cuffs will trap more air and provide additional buoyancy.

Shot of anglers gathering in their waders and talking.

Voiceover - It is a good idea to test your gear in a safe and controlled environment.

Shot of under a swimming pool. Then angler in waders fall in.

Heading appears on screen saying 'wader sculling technique'

Shot of angler in waders jumping into pool to join his mates who are already wading in full gear.

Voiceover - if you accidentally fall in the water, try to stay calm. Remember you will float to the surface because your body is buoyant and air trapped trapped in your waders will assist you in floating. Lay on your back with your legs outstretched. This will help you to float on the surface.

Picture on screen of someone's hand, indicating swimming technique.

Voiceover - With your thumb and fingers clasped tightly, angle your hands at about a 45 degree angle, opposite to each other, and move your arms in slow wide strokes across your body.

Video of man floating on his back in pool with waders and all gear on, gently moving hands as indicated in previous slide.

Voiceover - it might be useful to practise this technique in a swimming pool or still water, to get used to the action.

Underwater video of person swimming across screen on their back.

Voiceover - once you have controlled your buoyancy and are in calmer waters, you can make your way to safety by swimming head first on your back.

Video of man in waders and gear swimming breast-stroke in pool amongst his fishing mates.

Voiceover - traditional swimming strokes are inefficient and tiring when waders and fishing gear. These fishing clothes create extra drag which will quickly exhaust you.

Man exiting pool on ladder, in full gear and waders.

Voiceover - remember, when exiting, water filled waders are heavy and awkward on land.

New heading appears on beige background saying 'safety in rivers'

Video of strong flowing river.

Voiceover - A fast flowing current over slippery terrain can be dangerous. Tread carefully and use a wader stick for support. Remember to wear your PFD in potentially dangerous waters.

Diagram of river flowing.

Voiceover - if you do get caught in a current, lay on your back and inflate your PFD. Face your feet downstream using your arms and legs to protect you from obstacles until you can find a safe place to exit. Use the current to your advantage. Ferry glide your body by facing your feet towards the opposite bank you wish to land, and use the current to push your body to the bank. This technique could help you, especially if the river is wide and the current strong.

Heading on beige background saying 'important things to remember'

Voiceover - use a wader belt every time you wear waders. Use a PFD in potentially dangerous waters. If you do fall into the water, stay calm and try not to panic. Scull with your hands at 45 degree angles. Use slow wide strokes. And swim on your back conserving your energy.

Video of eight men on their backs swimming across a pool in waders and gear.

Voiceover - most importantly, know your gear well and practise these techniques in a safe environment. It could save your life.

Closing credits thanking people and organisations involved.

'Your fishing licence fees at work' logo and the State Government logo appear.