Fishing continues to be a popular past time for people of all ages.

Here are some useful safety tips if you’re planning on going angling as we want you to enjoy your time at the coast and to stay safe.

Angling from rocks, piers and harbour walls Rocks can be dangerous and slippery so consider whether there is somewhere safer to fish close by, because there is little to hold onto even a small wave can knock you off your feet and into the sea.

Wear a suitable flotation device and be sure to check the weather and tides before venturing out.

Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you intend to be back.

Be sure and wear suitable footwear and ensure you have a torch and a mobile phone with you in case you need to call for help.

Angling from mudflats and tidal estuaries Be wary of areas of soft mud and higher banks where the tide may come in, surround you and cut you off.

Check the weather and tides before venturing out and give yourself plenty of time to get back before the tide comes in.

Don’t go out on mudflats or tidal estuaries if fog is forecast or poor visibility could obscure your safe return to the shore.

It’s advisable to carry a map and compass and learn how to use them in case visibility deteriorates unexpectedly when you are out.

We would always advise you to carry a mobile phone, handheld VHF radio or a Personal Locator Beacon to raise the alarm if you get into difficulty.

Angling from the beach On steep beaches, there can be an unstable shelf of stones and single that is difficult to scramble out of and will be more pronounced over high water.

Don’t wade in these conditions and always consider wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid.

Don’t wade into breaking waves as the undercurrent could sweep you off your feet.

If the beach is surrounded by seawalls or rocks, ensure you are not cut off by a rising tide or an increase in the wave action.

If you’re unfamiliar with the area you plan to fish, take time to assess the area and monitor the wave and tide conditions.

Bait collecting Bait digging and collecting can be dangerous and is best left to professionals.

If however you still wish to do this, get as much information as you can about the area you are collecting in including areas of soft mud, tidal conditions and the weather forecast.

Make sure your waders or boots are not too tight and can be kicked off should you become bogged down and only collect on a falling tide in the low water period.

Don’t go out at night or alone and always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.

Time and tides wait for no one.

Our advice this year is simple – Play It Safe.

In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Keep up to date with the team on Twitter @ArdrossanCRT and on Facebook by searching for ‘Ardrossan Coastguard’.