While reading the heart-rending thread which related the recent tragedy in which a boat angler drowned,

Lough Mask tragedy

- I noted the remark about how those who were struggling to stay with the up-turned boat could not get the touch-screen mobile to work.

It just so happened that while I was looking at mobile phones yesterday I came across some water-proof mobiles, and in the light of the above unforgettable incident I thought I'd make mention of them here. (Note I have no interest in any mobile phone business.)

Samsung B2100

Samsung B2710

JCB Toughphone

While I'm at it, it might be worth mentioning self-inflating life jackets & wading jackets, such as:

Angling and Fishing lifejackets

and

Safety vests

(It may well be possible to find better prices from other sources - the above are just convenient examples.)

If anyone has any other useful suggestions for additional safety equipment and/or particular recommendations/criticisms relating to such items perhaps they might like to add their thoughts. I have read, for example, that when wearing chest waders it is vital to wear a waist belt that forms a water-tight seal to prevent water entering the waders should you ever fall in...

Its easy to over react when tragedy strikes. Most boat anglers are safety concious but the guide wasn't.If we risk assessed our hobby particlarly boat fishing we'd be so loaded down with safety equipment it would take all the fun out of fishing.Let common sense prevail.

BK

I know where you're coming from, but I'm not sure I can agree with you on this occasion. I have been in a situation where I was surrounded by water and my mobile suddenly and unexpectedly became priceless. (Fishing from the shore on a rocky promontory I was catastrophically cut off, with about 300 yards of fast-moving water between me and safety.) Up till that moment I had always hated mobiles, and would happily go fishing without one (-or leave it in the car.)

Something simple like a fail-safe mobile (NB the Samsung ones have exceptionally long battery lives in addition to being water-proof) is a sensible precaution, not an overreaction.

True common sense is the best preventative measure in safety but I do always take a switched off cell phone with me when fishing just in case I end up in distress or do something stupid.

I have owned both the samsung and one similar to the jcb which I believe is made by sonim. The samsung was v good, the sonim/jcb was supposed to be indistructable and it broke very easily.

Also alot of places I fish have no signal for cell phones so for complete peace of mind a sat phone would be needed and they are mega bucks.

Very interesting steveow. Sounds like one of the Samsungs would be a better bet.

I too sometimes find there is no signal. In deference to black knight I'm not going to start talking flare guns - though perhaps on those vast Irish lochs there might be a case for them.

On some large waters staff are quite frequently seen zooming around in a motor-boat, presumably checking on the well-being of boat anglers, as well as other issues. The waves they create can be annoying, but I suppose it serves a purpose.

Precautionary measures are indeed sensible, and the best defence, I agree. But having been through the above-mentioned somewhat traumatic scenario I have also realised how easily the 'it could never happen to me' feeling can potentially blind you to the importance of being prepared should things go wrong. When you think how much we spend on tackle(!) it's surely common sense to provide yourself with one or two items that could possibly save your life.

If on a large loch (especially a sea loch) a Marine Radio on top of a mobile can be an advantage, can get other boats, coast guard and talk to rescue helo if required.

__________________
Just My Tuppenceworth!!

How much would that set you back, stonepark?


Incidentally, I enjoyed the following videos of the Samsung undergoing toughness testing (especially the second one):

Page 6 of B2700 review (same as B2710)

I've got a clear fronted waterproof pouch for my mobile, and can use the touchscreen,talk etc through it.It has a lanyard which I hang round my neck whilst wading, so even if I go for a swim my phone doesn't. I know some here would hate the idea of phones by the water but safety apart I find it useful to stay in touch when salmon fishing.More than once I've been able to share fresh fish with a friend who was a mile upstream.

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Behold the fisherman
He riseth up early and disturbeth the whole household.
MIGHTY ARE HIS PREPARATIONS!
He goeth forth full of hope and when the day is far spent he returneth
Smelling of strong drink, and the truth is not in him

Cost is about £100 depending on what model you go for, mine is below: -

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=390262312168 but got it cheaper.

Need also to get licence (which is technically free but you need to sit the course (£25 or so for mine plus certificate fees etc) to use it and get your 'handle' which is unique to you and alows the Coast guard to id you.

I use mine for inshore fishing on both small boats and kayak, but also take hill walking as can talk to CG if required in an emergency even though your not supposed to use it for this.

__________________
Just My Tuppenceworth!!

gadusmorhua - that's arguably the minimum precaution we should take. Good advice.

By the way it was mentioned earlier that it is sometimes not possible to get a signal in more remote locations. Another partial solution (short of a satellite phone/marine radio) would be either to carry a second mobile (perhaps your old one) with a different provider, or to go for a dual simcard phone, dozens of which are available, such as the following: Dual sim phones

Just food for thought.