ARA Water Safety Code - British Rowing

THE WATER SAFETY CODE1.9 Observance of these requirements is obligatory and notwithstanding the absence ofinjury or damage in para. 1.7 the Club or Regatta Safety Adviser will monitor theirobservance and advise on all material breaches, in writing, together with details ofaction to be taken, to the Club and the Regional Rowing Council.1.10 Inspection of arrangements and facilities may be made from time to time byappointees of the relevant Regional Rowing Council and/or representatives of theARA who shall be entitled to impose in writing corrective measures or suspension ofactivity wherever or whenever appropriate. For breaches of the Code, penalties, asoutlined in ARA Rules Section F, may be imposed, either after a hearing by theappropriate Regional Rowing Council (RHP) or, after appeal, by the Special HearingsPanel (SHP) of the Council of the Amateur Rowing Association.1.11 It is the responsibility of the individual Club member and the Club to ensure that allequipment is safe for the purpose for which it is intended and that it complies withthe Code. Particular attention is to be paid to the following:-1.11.1 The bows of racing and training boats shall be properly protected. A solidball of not less than 4 cm diameter made of rubber or material of similarresilience must be firmly attached to the bows. Where the construction of theboat, or its composition is such that the bow is properly protected, or itsshape does not present a hazard in collision, this requirement need not apply.1.11.2 All boats where “fitted”shoes are employed, musthave effective heelrestraints. These must beproperly adjusted and inworking order.1.11.3 The “buttons” on oars andsculls must be secure andproperly set.1.11.4 Buoyancy compartmentsmust be watertight toensure effective operation.1.11.5 Boats constructed after 1st April 2003 must have inherent buoyancysufficient, together with their oars and sculls, to support a seated crew of thecorrect design weight in the event of being swamped.Page 4