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Angling Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Describe your fishery, angling club or fishing activity — we generate a fully written, UK-compliant angling risk assessment covering drowning, access, night fishing, lone anglers and all relevant regulations in minutes.
Used by fishing clubs, commercial fisheries, syndicates and angling organisers across the UK
🎣 Drowning is the primary risk in angling. Every year anglers die from falls into water, particularly at night and when fishing alone. Mention your water type, bank conditions, night fishing policy and lone fishing arrangements and we will include appropriate drowning prevention controls, emergency access routes and rescue equipment requirements.
Legal requirements for angling activities and fisheries
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, fishing clubs, commercial fisheries and angling event organisers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of members, visitors, employees and contractors. This duty applies whether you are a volunteer-run club or a commercial operation. Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for all work activities — and this includes recreational angling where you control the premises or organise the activity.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), drowning accounts for approximately 400 deaths per year in the UK, with angling-related drowning a significant subset. The HSE has prosecuted fishery operators and clubs following drowning incidents where risk assessments were absent or inadequate. The courts expect documented evidence that drowning risk, access safety, night fishing controls and emergency procedures have been properly assessed.
If your fishery employs bailiffs, groundskeepers or office staff, you are legally required to assess workplace risks under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. If you permit night fishing or have junior angling sessions, additional safeguarding and supervision controls are expected. If your site is accessible to the public, you must also consider the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, which requires you to take reasonable care for the safety of lawful visitors.
Anyrisks produces a fully written angling risk assessment covering all these duties. Describe your water, your membership, your fishing rules and any specific hazards and we generate a complete, regulation-referenced assessment accepted by insurers, local authorities and the HSE.
How it works
1. Describe your angling activity
Tell us the type of water (river, lake, canal, reservoir, commercial fishery), bank conditions, whether night fishing is allowed, if anglers fish alone, if children are present, and any other specific hazards like deep water, fast flow, steep banks or difficult access. If you organise matches or open days, mention it and we will include event-specific controls.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant angling risk assessment referencing the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and relevant drowning prevention guidance. The assessment is written in full — not a blank template.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Share it with your committee, send it to your insurer, display it at your fishery, or file it for HSE compliance. £29, no subscription. If you are not satisfied within 24 hours, we will refund you in full.
What it covers
Every angling risk assessment is written in full — covering all waterside and operational hazards relevant to your fishery or angling activity.
Drowning risk — deep water, steep banks, fast flow, cold water shock
Night fishing — reduced visibility, emergency access, buddy systems
Lone angling — communication procedures, emergency contact, check-in systems
Access routes — uneven ground, slippery banks, vehicle movements
Weather hazards — lightning, high winds, flooding, extreme cold
Children and vulnerable adults — supervision ratios, buoyancy aids, safeguarding
Bailiff and staff safety — lone working patrols, confrontation, working at night
Weils disease (leptospirosis) — water contact, cuts, contaminated water
Manual handling — lifting tackle, moving equipment, carrying gear long distances
Angling equipment hazards — hooks, knives, nets, catapults
Match fishing and events — crowd control, vehicle access, emergency procedures
Emergency rescue — throw lines, rescue equipment, access for emergency services
Insurance and legal compliance — Occupiers Liability Act 1957, HSWA 1974
Works for
From small club waters to commercial day-ticket fisheries and match events, Anyrisks covers every type of angling activity.
What customers say
"Our insurer asked for an up-to-date risk assessment covering night fishing and lone anglers. Anyrisks had it done in minutes — covered everything including emergency access and drowning prevention."
David R.
Fishing club secretary, Derbyshire
"We run a commercial carp fishery with night fishing. The assessment covered all the risks — steep banks, deep water, lone fishing, bailiff patrols — and referenced the legislation. Exactly what we needed."
Simon T.
Fishery owner, Lincolnshire
"We organise junior angling sessions and match events. Anyrisks covered supervision ratios, buoyancy aids, emergency procedures and safeguarding controls — all in one document. Saved us hours."
Karen M.
Angling development officer, West Midlands
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Drowning risk assessment and prevention controls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Night fishing and lone angler procedures included | ✓ | ✗ |
| References HSWA 1974 and MHSWR 1999 | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers river, lake, canal and commercial fisheries | ✓ | ✗ |
| Junior angling and vulnerable adult safeguards | ✓ | ✗ |
| Match event and crowd management controls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
Frequently asked questions
Do fishing clubs legally need a risk assessment?
Yes — fishing clubs, syndicates and commercial fisheries have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to assess risks to members, visitors and employees. If you organise fishing activities, control fishing waters, or employ staff, you must have a written risk assessment covering drowning, access, lone fishing and other hazards.
Does it cover both river and stillwater fishing?
Yes — describe the type of water (river, canal, lake, reservoir, commercial fishery), the banks, access routes, and any specific hazards like fast flow, deep water, steep banks or isolated locations. The assessment is tailored to the environment you describe.
What about night fishing and lone anglers?
Mention if night fishing is permitted and if anglers fish alone. The assessment will include controls for reduced visibility, emergency communication, buddy systems, and lone working procedures. Night fishing significantly increases drowning risk and requires specific controls.
Can I use it for match fishing events?
Yes — describe the event type (match, open day, junior session), number of participants, and any additional hazards like vehicle movements, barbecues or large groups. The assessment will cover event-specific risks including crowd management and emergency access.
Does it cover junior and disabled angling sessions?
Yes — mention if the activity involves children or disabled participants and the assessment will include appropriate supervision ratios, accessible platforms, buoyancy aids, and additional safeguarding controls required under these circumstances.
How quickly can I get it?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your fishery or angling activity and Anyrisks produces a complete, regulation-referenced angling risk assessment instantly. Download as PDF and Word doc for £29.
Also see: The ultimate guide to risk assessment · Do I need a risk assessment? · Risk assessment legal requirements · Risk assessment generator