Let's Row Safe in 2024
ROWERS & COXSWAINS
YOU MUST BE A CONFIDENT SWIMMER TO ROW FOR TRIAD UNITED.
If you use a Ventolin inhaler you must have this on your person at all times. Do not give this to a coxswain or coach.
If your boat is ever swamped or capsizes – Stay with the boat. Use it for flotation. NEVER attempt to swim to shore.
Know the protocols for docking procedures.
Is the bowball firmly and properly attached to the boat?
Are your heel ties tied at the correct length of 3″ between the shoes and footboard? If not – do not row in this seat until fixed.
Never consumer alcoholic beverages or use dangerous drugs while rowing. Be aware of how any medication you take may affect your ability to safely row.
Know OAK HOLLOW LAKE – or any other venue you may be rowing at.
Do you know and observe all traffic patterns? Are you aware of winds and how it can affect a boat’s steering? Identify & remember the locations of all submerged hazards and buoys on the lake.
Watch the Weather!
Do you check the most current weather forecast to stay aware of thunderstorms and wind? Always watch for high winds. Never launch in heavy fog. If fog appears return to shore.
LIGHTNING!
Lightning is one of our greatest risks while rowing. Know the risks: Did you know boaters are struck by lightning at 3X the rate of golfers? If you are not sure – stay on shore. If you ever hear thunder while rowing – return immediately to the dock. If you see a bolt of lightning, no matter how far away it is, immediately return to shore. Do not wait to get permission from a coach. The coaches will likely not even hear thunder due to the sound of the boat engine.
“If you are not sure, STAY ON SHORE!”
COLD WATER
Rowing on cold water adds another risk for rowers. It is very rare for a rower to fall out of a boat but it does happen. If someone falls out of the boat sometimes the natural reaction of youth rowers is to laugh and keep rowing. DO NOT BE THIS CREW! Falling out of a boat carries serious risks of a head injury on a rigger upon returning to the surface. The immediate reaction of all rowers should be to immediately stop rowing and check the boat to a stop with their oars. Do not wait for a coxswains command to take this action. Quickly back the boat up to retrieve the rower from the water.
PARENTS
Make sure that your rower is a confident swimmer. Parents this is YOUR responsibility.
COACHES
Be aware of weather. Have radar accessible on your phone. Have the phone numbers of other coaches on the water on your phone.
Do you review the rules and emergency procedures with all rowers on a regular basis?
Communicate an action plan for any emergency.
Keep all equipment maintained and safe.
All coaches should wear a life vest when water temps are below 65F. Youth rowers should wear a life vest at all times when riding in coach boats.
Be sure the coach boat has life vests for rowers, a paddle, bailer, and fire extinguisher.
Know and obey all local and federal regulations concerning all boating safety requirements. Do not have more people in your launch than permitted on the boats safety decal.
Review rowing venue and conditions with coxswains and fellow coaches to identify hazards & tricky conditions.
Never be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or use dangerous drugs while coaching. This includes medication that may cause the use of heavy machinery to be unsafe.
YOU MUST BE A CONFIDENT SWIMMER TO ROW FOR TRIAD UNITED.
If you use a Ventolin inhaler you must have this on your person at all times. Do not give this to a coxswain or coach.
If your boat is ever swamped or capsizes – Stay with the boat. Use it for flotation. NEVER attempt to swim to shore.
Know the protocols for docking procedures.
Is the bowball firmly and properly attached to the boat?
Are your heel ties tied at the correct length of 3″ between the shoes and footboard? If not – do not row in this seat until fixed.
Never consumer alcoholic beverages or use dangerous drugs while rowing. Be aware of how any medication you take may affect your ability to safely row.
Know OAK HOLLOW LAKE – or any other venue you may be rowing at.
Do you know and observe all traffic patterns? Are you aware of winds and how it can affect a boat’s steering? Identify & remember the locations of all submerged hazards and buoys on the lake.
Watch the Weather!
Do you check the most current weather forecast to stay aware of thunderstorms and wind? Always watch for high winds. Never launch in heavy fog. If fog appears return to shore.
LIGHTNING!
Lightning is one of our greatest risks while rowing. Know the risks: Did you know boaters are struck by lightning at 3X the rate of golfers? If you are not sure – stay on shore. If you ever hear thunder while rowing – return immediately to the dock. If you see a bolt of lightning, no matter how far away it is, immediately return to shore. Do not wait to get permission from a coach. The coaches will likely not even hear thunder due to the sound of the boat engine.
“If you are not sure, STAY ON SHORE!”
COLD WATER
Rowing on cold water adds another risk for rowers. It is very rare for a rower to fall out of a boat but it does happen. If someone falls out of the boat sometimes the natural reaction of youth rowers is to laugh and keep rowing. DO NOT BE THIS CREW! Falling out of a boat carries serious risks of a head injury on a rigger upon returning to the surface. The immediate reaction of all rowers should be to immediately stop rowing and check the boat to a stop with their oars. Do not wait for a coxswains command to take this action. Quickly back the boat up to retrieve the rower from the water.
PARENTS
Make sure that your rower is a confident swimmer. Parents this is YOUR responsibility.
COACHES
Be aware of weather. Have radar accessible on your phone. Have the phone numbers of other coaches on the water on your phone.
Do you review the rules and emergency procedures with all rowers on a regular basis?
Communicate an action plan for any emergency.
Keep all equipment maintained and safe.
All coaches should wear a life vest when water temps are below 65F. Youth rowers should wear a life vest at all times when riding in coach boats.
Be sure the coach boat has life vests for rowers, a paddle, bailer, and fire extinguisher.
Know and obey all local and federal regulations concerning all boating safety requirements. Do not have more people in your launch than permitted on the boats safety decal.
Review rowing venue and conditions with coxswains and fellow coaches to identify hazards & tricky conditions.
Never be under the influence of alcoholic beverages or use dangerous drugs while coaching. This includes medication that may cause the use of heavy machinery to be unsafe.
