Safety
Safety is the paramount consideration when considering whether to row.
The Club has published the following Rules for Boating, Safety Plan and Risk Assessment which are binding on all members.
Safety Plan
The club safety plan covers all water related safety issues and should be read in combination the Risk Assessment (see below). The plan should be read by all members and is available here.
Rules for Boating
• Only experienced and competent crews to row on the river alone (singles should have a buddy), all others must be accompanied by other experienced boats or a launch, commensurate with prevailing conditions, or as determined by the captain (or designate, see list below)
• Always consider weather, stream and debris conditions. If in doubt go to the gym!
Visibility
1. If less than 500m (steps to pumping station), coxed boats only with experienced cox
2. If less than 300m (steps to bridge) No rowing
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During winter and cold weather take extra precautions. Limit outing time (eg. 45mins for coxes)
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Book your boat using the online system. Ensure you cancel your booking if needed.
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Private scullers or anyone rowing outside normal club sessions do so at their own risk.
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If the Orange step is covered, extra precautions need to be taken if you go out, such as larger boats, buddies and/or launch cover.
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If the Red step is covered, NO rowing.
Risk Assessment
The Club Safety Adviser has prepared a spreadsheet with a complete Risk Assessment for the risks associated with normal rowing. It is essential reading for all members.
Click on the link for access
Experience and Competence
The following list of members are deemed by the Committee to be competent to decide if prevailing conditions are suitable to allow outings (either in total or for specific crews)
James Allison
Mike Butler
Dan Cowton
Julia Cowton
Eric Froggatt
John Jenkins
Liz Lewis
Tim Male
Liz Newman
Mark Woods
updated April 2024
All members must respect the decisions made, which do not relieve individuals from making their own assessment whilst on the water.
(if none of the named members above are available to make decisions then be prepared to justify the prevailing criteria should you decide to go on the water!)
Illness & Injury
The content of this document was shared with members using the members’ group email list in March 2023.
Advice on when & whether to row for illnesses and injuries - March 2023