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Safety Protocols

Sometimes we will have a coach (or safety boat) volunteer for the weekend organized rows. When this occurs, it is likely the boat is near some boats but unlikely to be near all boats. Self-organized rows may choose to employ a launch. To protect rowers and equipment, launch drivers must be approved. The current list of approved drivers includes all USRowing certified coaches. You may be added to the list of approved drivers by taking a boating safety course and satisfactorily demonstrating knowledgeable and safe operation to the Rowing Captain or CYR Head Coach. The current boat assigned to CYC is the (CYR) Skiff with the Yamaha outboard. The Rowing Committee will soon review the purchase of a CYC launch. 

A club organized row is held each Saturday and Sunday morning and some holidays.  A self-organized row is any other row consisting of one or multiple rowers and one or multiple boats.

Requirements for person calling a club-organized row:

1.  Check the weather prior to launch and only launch when safe as outlined by USRowing. 

2. Assign crews to boats inclusive of any safety considerations. 

3. Verify the return of all boats prior to leaving. This is exclusive of a crew declaring an extended duration row; in this case the crew will arrange their own return monitoring as in a self-organized row (below).


Requirements for all rowers and support persons (cox, coach, launch driver, etc).

1. View the USRowing safety video each year.    If the Video link has moved, search US Rowing's site for Safety Video 

2. Maintain current registration on USRowing, including waiver. 

3. By signing up to row, you certify you can currently swim, according to USRowing minimums which are: At minimum, athletes should demonstrate the ability to float and/or tread water for ten minutes, and put on a life jacket while floating. If not, you must wear a PFD. Recommendation: periodically have a lifeguard verify you can still pass the test. 

4. Sign up to row.

5. Wear proper rowing attire for the weather, including hi-viz.

6. Check your rowing station for proper heel-ties and hardware is secure.

7. Study the rowing site map. Ensure knowledge of emergency egress/shelter options. Consider wind direction/speed in your route selection.

8. Know and practice the traffic pattern. See map above. 

9. Recommendation only: take a cell phone in a waterproof case or other communications device.

10. Other items you may wish to consider are a mirror in a bow seat, having a noisemaker (whistle, horn) and rowing in a group rather than a single boat. 

11. Report any safety concerns or violations to the Rowing Captain and the Safety Officer immediately. 


Additional Requirements for self-organized rows.

1. Be approved to lead or participate in self-organized rows by a USRowing certified coach. For example, a novice may qualify for participation but only with experienced rowers.

2. Check the weather prior to launch and only launch when safe as outlined by USRowing. 

3. Ensure that you have engaged someone to monitor your return and what action to take if you don’t return by a certain time.

4. If rowing in (or near) dark or diminished visibility you must use lights (bow and stern). You may use any additional lighting you consider enhances your ability to be seen.

 

Additional Requirements for self-organized row in a single.

1. Take a PFD with you.

2. Recommendation: go out with another boat. Better if that boat/crew is capable of your rescue.

3. Recommendation: pass a flip-test witnessed by a USRowing certified coach. This is required if going solo.

4. Recommendation: abide by 4-oar rule cold-weather restrictions. This is required for club 1X and 2- boats. 

5. Recommendation: wear your PFD.

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