Row Safe Leaflet - British Rowing

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“Water safetydoesn’t justhappen –Before you go afloatwe have tolearn to besafe...Health difficultiesOne of the first steps you must take is to discloseany relevant health problems. Rowing clubs are notqualified to give you medical advice, so you shouldraise any concerns with your doctor. However,clubs are often able to make provisions for healthdifficulties, allowing you to take part safely.Swimming competenceYou must be sure that you can achieve at least theminimum swimming standard and watercompetence set out by the club. You should beasked to complete a swimming competence testbefore any water activity takes place and will betrained in capsize/immersion procedure. If for anyreason you are unable to meet the requirementsthen a buoyancy aid or lifejacket must be worn.Remember that giving false information could putyou and others in danger and it is very importantto ask about anything you do not understand.Log booksIt is a good idea to record your progress. Keeping alog of your own experience, training andknowledge of your club is an excellent way to staysafe in the sport and can also serve as a reminderof what you should know and do.New to the water?You need to know where you can and cannotrow. Consider:· Local navigation rules – boat booking board,outing times and so on· Where to turn around and which direction to boat· When it is safe to row, when it isn’t· Lighting, visibility and weather conditions· The location of the Water Safety Code,notice board and local rules· Local hazards like stream or tide, and otherwater users· Right of way· Where the nearest emergency contact point isand who to summon in case of an emergencyYoung peopleIf you are under 18, or are the parent or a carer ofsomeone under 18 who is learning to row, youshould know who your club welfare officer is andhow to contact them. The ARA Safeguarding andProtecting Children Policy is available todownload at: www.ara-rowing.org/safeguarding
Clothes and weather conditionsIn competition, athletes race in their clubstrip. This usually consists of a garmentcalled an ‘all-in-one’, which is stretchyand close fitting with both top and shortsin one piece. Sometimes other clothingmay be worn underneath, depending onthe weather.Although it is not necessary to wear anall-in-one for training, the principle ofhaving close fitting garments which alloweasy movement is important, as thisavoids the oar or sculls getting caughtwhich could lead to a capsize.Normal conditionsIt is important to know what you shouldwear in differing weather conditions. If,for instance, the conditions are normal,then wearing close fitting garments thatare of a stretchy material shouldsuffice, as they generally won’t restrictyour movements.Cold weatherIf the conditions are cold, then youshould wear:· Warm/waterproof layers· A first layer of a thin technical/thermalmaterial, which can wick (transfer) awaymoisture from your body· Layers of light clothing to allow you toregulate your temperature by removinga layer as you warm up or replacing asyou cool down· Suitable headgear, since half of thebody’s heat loss can be through the head· A light windproof/waterproof top, which willreduce heat loss and the wind chill factor· A close fitting tracksuit top, bottom orsports leggings, since the arms and legsare areas where heat loss can be a problemand cold muscles struggle to performWarm weatherIn hot or sunny conditions, you should wear:· Clothing to keep you cool and protectyou from exposure to the sun· Layers of light clothing (like t-shirts)which wick away moisture from thebody and can be easily removed as youwarm up· Headgear for sun protection and clothingto prevent sunburn· Sunglasses to reduce glare from the water· Sun cream or sun blockNote that a water bottle is a must for bothwinter and summer training and racing.Dehydration will impair your performanceand can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Sharing water bottles, however,should be avoided.What you should not wear· Loose fitting clothes that could catchyour oars or get stuck in your slidewhen rowing· Bulky garments that can absorb water andbecome very heavy when wet like fleecesand quilted items· Clothes that restrict your movement whenrowing or if you fall in the water likedenim jeans and tops· Everyday, non-sporting clothesWellington type boots are worthy of specialmention. Wellingtons, which cannot beeasily removed or kicked off without the useof hands, should never be worn in the boat.They present a real danger if you end up inthe water.“Be a‘weatherwatcher’and dressfor theconditions...
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Row Safe Leaflet - British Rowing

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