SAFETY ON THE WATER

SAFETY INFORMATION

Water Safety

Rowing is an outdoor sport that is subject to variations in the weather. It is also an aquatic activity with a number of potential hazards. Accordingly, Friends’ rowing is very aware of the need to maintain aquatic safety standards at all times. All training done from the Friends’ Boat Sheds must be conducted under supervision. The navigation rules imposed by MAST must be followed, as must the safety rules outlined in this handbook. If training is conducted early in the morning before sunrise, in the failing light at dusk or in the dark (to be avoided), then the appropriate navigation lights must be shown on all rowing boats, and on the accompanying coaches boat. For the rowing boats, a white light needs to be attached to both the bow and the stern. Coaches boats have a pedestal white light and they also have the designated bow and starboard lights.

Safety Guidelines for Students

Friends’ Rowing acknowledges that it has a duty of care for all members. It is therefore the policy of Friends’ Rowing that:

• All rowers must be able to swim 50 metres in their rowing gear

• Everyone in a motor boat must wear a PFD

• Only licensed drivers are permitted to drive a motor boat Students should not drive coaches boats

• No rowers are allowed out on the water, however experienced, without on-the-water supervision

• All boats out prior to sunrise or after sunset must have navigation lights.

• A decision on whether to conduct on-water training in times of inclement weather will be made by the coaches after checking with the weather report or MAST.

• The use of ergometers and other exercise equipment in the sheds must be done under supervision