Safety

Rowing is a sport with a good safety record. However there are risks and these must be minimised by a knowledge and understanding of British Rowing’s and Evesham Rowing Club’s safety rules and procedures. It is the responsibility of all Members to regularly read the Club’s safety notice boards located in the gym.  Changes to the club’s safety procedures will be notified to all rowing members. The procedures posted here are those currently in force at ERC.

RowSafe, the British Rowing’s guide to good practice in rowing can be found at http://www.britishrowing.org/taking-part/staying-safe/rowsafe

ERC applies the guidelines outlined in RowSafe. The procedures outlined below attempt to enforce these guidelines but also contain additional local procedures and safeguards.

Risk Analysis

Key Points:

  • Hypothermia, drowning and injury through capsize/collision are assessed as the highest risk
  • ERC launches are not Safety boats in the Row Safe definition but play a vital role in assisting at incidents
  • All safety equipment is regularly checked to ensure it is fit for purpose 
  • Induction, formal competency requirements and other safeguards (e.g. risk assessment) reduce risk
  • Rowing in the dark at ERC is forbidden

Training on the Water

All river outings at ERC must be formally risk assessed by the person in charge (normally the coach or steerer) using the Outing Safety procedure. That person must, as a minimum, sign the outing book (in the main boathouse) to confirm this has been done.

 

The key points:
  • If a BLACK condition exists than all outings are forbidden
  • If a RED risk level is determined than the outing being assessed must be cancelled
  • If an AMBER risk level is determined a risk assessment form must be completed and signed
  • Whatever the risk level determined the outing book must be signed by the person in charge indicating the risk level for the outing
  • Conditions must be kept under review throughout an outing as they may change and present an unacceptable risk
  • All equipment must be checked before the outing
  • Appropriate clothing must be wornfor the outing. Bright tops must be worn.
  • Always have a change of clothing at the club
  • A safety pack should be available and used as per the outing procedure
  • Any casualty recovery plan should be clearly understood by all concerned
  • All incidents and near-misses must be reported
  • All damage to equipment must be entered in the damage book and a “Do Not Use” sign placed on the boat or faulty equipment
  • Use of equipment by juniors and vulnerable or inexperienced rowers of all ages is subject to extra restrictions 
  • All ERC boats must obey the navigation rules and regulations of the River Avon
  • All athletes must advise ERC of any medical condition that may increase risk to themselves or others

Land Training

Key Points:

  • Do not train when you are ill
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the exercise and warm up before strenuous exercise
  • Follow the posted safety procedures for any equipment you are using. Report and quarantine any faulty equipment using a “do not use” tag
  • If out running at night wear a reflective bib and keep to lighted areas
  • Weight training can only be done under the supervision of a qualified instructor
  • All those under 16 cannot land train at ERC unless supervised by an adult. Those between 16 and 18 should be accompanied by an adult or another squad member

Launch Driving 

Key Points:

  • Only those holding a RYA powerboat Level 2 certificate can use an ERC launch
  • Ensure launch is fully equiped and in working order before use
  • Ensure you have the equipment and fuel to fulfil any recovery plan
  • ERC launches are not safety boats but should play a major part in casualty recovery  

Boat Trailer Towing 

Key Points:

  • All drivers must have the appropriate DVLA license and understand the law relating to towing
  • All drivers must have been assessed by another ERC trailer driver as being competent before their first boat towing journey
  • The driver must complete the safety checks outlined in the procedure before embarking on a journey 
  • The driver must check that all boats and other equipment are properly secure
  • The driver must take a “trailer pack” on each journey
  • The driver a passenger is present to aid with any issues that may arise
  • Overhanging boats must be indicated with hazard type and/or lights