The annual tradition of five days of fishing in the River Pite headwaters is over. It is a great experience in every respect, but this year also a tough experience of risks that may be exposed to the wilderness.
It is a divine area with its nature, sceneries and all that could be called wilderness. The first day we got to abruptly cancel our fishing when a panic, shocked and heartbroken young, German man came running up to us and told us that his brother had fallen into the rapids and gone off carrying the three cases, 5 – 8 meter. We had forecast done for us. Over the past five years, three people were killed there by accident. They have dwelt too close to the top case and sucked with. A few years ago a young man in floating ring. Fiancee stood on the shore and watched.
Miraculously had German survived despite 7 plus degrees in the water and 3 kilometer rapids ride and could be picked up, very cold, bruised here and there, shocked but alive. The rescue helicopter lifted him to the infirmary in Arvidsjaur. And we took care of accompanying his two companions, and lodged them in our cabin.
A horrible experience for all of us but with a happy ending, not only for the 38-year-old tvåbarnsfadern but for all of us. His 27-year-old brother, operatic Berlin, wanted to thank us with "words that are not", but confirmed the rumor that Sweden is "filled with friendly and helpful people". The thanks was more than enough for us.
Egen OF RISK
All fishing and stay in our nature at your own risk. Everyone is responsible for their safety by his conduct. The best equipment is knowledge of where the risks are and what can be done about the "accident", as we say. Now it is so that it is not accident that strikes. It is
we are approaching the accident, sometimes of curiosity, adventure or stupidity. With some extremely rare exceptions, the "accident" that takes the initiative.
The life jacket is a cheap insurance! But it must be properly donned and used all the time! Sometimes you can see people who "hung on the" life vest to attach it if it "is necessary". Then it's too late. The self-inflating vests need to be checked regularly. With each vest for information on when and how it must be done! Take it seriously.
Above the waterfall, the "urge" to begin already a few hundred meters upstream. At the extreme water, now in Piteälven, even further up. It is not certain that it shows on the surface, men, easily explained, the water streams are potent. modern equipment, waders up the forearms, float tubes and pontoon boats and kayaks and canoes increases the risk that we become arrogant. They may not be used where. The risk is too great and not worth taking.
The emissions from hydroelectric dams is another danger zone, for example in long-Ljusnan. Fish happy where. There are excellent and nice fishing. Men! Be careful and attentive on the water. It rises, for obvious reasons, slowly at first, and you can be lulled into the belief that you have plenty of time to round fishing and seek to country. So it is never! Be aware of the. Take immediate ashore!
Security is about the ability to assess risks in the light of the knowledge and experience they have.
Firstly. Obtain the knowledge! And get to know the area you'll be staying in. What are the dangers?
Security number two is to know how to behave to avoid risks and manage them "if an accident should occur". It is for you to decide if you should meet with accident!
Continued good summer!
Helgi Jonsson