ARTICLE
QUESTION: Our agency provides services to many individuals that have expressed an interest in fishing. It is our understanding that individuals cannot participate in any activities near water without a certified life guard on duty. Do other agencies have individuals that participate in fishing activities? If so, how is it handled? Our agency is not aware of any rule restricting individuals from fishing. We take our individuals fishing several times a year. The individuals will need to have an Indiana Fishing License to fish on water in the state. We will provide life preservers to ensure safety. There are free fishing days in Indiana on 5/18 and 6/1 & 6/2. No licenses are required on these days. *** As an agency, we do not participate in swimming activities without a life guard, especially for large groups. We also ensure that individuals do not swim or wade in areas that we have identified as dangerous. *** Our agency is unaware of any regulation or rule that prevents individuals from being around water without a lifeguard. We do have individuals that fish and we typically have them wear life jackets or preservers even when fishing from a pier or shore. We also ensure there is a high staff to individual ratio when participating in these activities to ensure safety. A lot of individuals with our agency participate in Fishing Has No Boundaries, which has lots of volunteers and also requires life jackets or preservers. This information is a compilation of suggestions, ideas, and opinions shared by INARF Members in response to the featured question. This information should not be considered official interpretation or guidance of State or Federal Policy. Additionally, statements within this document do not necessarily reflect an official position or opinion of INARF.
Our agency is not aware of any rule restricting individuals from fishing. We take our individuals fishing several times a year. The individuals will need to have an Indiana Fishing License to fish on water in the state. We will provide life preservers to ensure safety. There are free fishing days in Indiana on 5/18 and 6/1 & 6/2. No licenses are required on these days.
***
As an agency, we do not participate in swimming activities without a life guard, especially for large groups. We also ensure that individuals do not swim or wade in areas that we have identified as dangerous.
Our agency is unaware of any regulation or rule that prevents individuals from being around water without a lifeguard. We do have individuals that fish and we typically have them wear life jackets or preservers even when fishing from a pier or shore. We also ensure there is a high staff to individual ratio when participating in these activities to ensure safety. A lot of individuals with our agency participate in Fishing Has No Boundaries, which has lots of volunteers and also requires life jackets or preservers.