Safety

STAYING SAFE ON THE WATER
 
Like any activity on the water, coastal rowing can be risky.  LYC Rowing wants all participants to be as safe as possible.  This means each and every rower has to take responsibility for their own safety.  The following is a summary of the safety rules:
 
Plan your Row: 
  • Never row alone; the day before your row, sign up for a scheduled row on the GroupMe app
  • Intermediate and beginner rowers must be accompanied by a safety boat and a masters rower.
  • If possible let a family member know that you are rowing and your planned route.
  • If only two masters rowers are rowing without a safety boat, use single shells
  • As a group, select your route, rendezvous point and circulation pattern based on weather conditions. (See  Rowing Chart )
  • Be familiar with hazards and haul-out points before you set out
Prepare for the Conditions: 
  • Check weather, fog and wind reports before going out.  Do not go out in:
    • heavy breeze (greater than 20 km/hr) or large whitecaps,
    • dense fog (inability to see Little Herman’s Island from launching beach). 
    • thunder and lightning within the last two hours or projected for time of row.
  • When rowing in light fog, keep shoreline in view and row as a group in the same direction
  • If weather conditions are uncertain, the coach or Safety Officer will make the final decision
  • A safety boat must accompany all rowers if water temperature below 10 degrees Celsius.

Clothing and personal items to take with you
  • Be visible – wear a high visibility shirt and/or hat.
  • As boat launch is from the beach, wear water shoes to protect your feet. (gravel, rocks, mud at low tide)
  • Wear a hat and sunglasses when sunny
  • In addition, take
    • a whistle in case of an urgent situation
    • water bottle
    • if possible, your cell phone in a waterproof pouch
 
Other Equipment 
  • Wear a life belt (PFD) around your waist.  Make sure you understand how it works.  If you have questions, ask a more experienced rower
  • Check the boat hull to ensure it is sound and that the plug is firmly in place before launching.  If there is water in the hull, ask for help tipping the boat to drain it.
  • Check that your oars are a matched set. When rigging your oars, ensure that they are properly placed and that the gate is securely fastened
 
During your Row 
  • Follow your pre-determined route.
  • Pay attention to the location of other rowers and the safety boat if there is one
  • Remember to watch out for hazards
  • Keep an eye on weather conditions.  If they deteriorate, group up with the other rowers and make a plan.  If in doubt as to whether it is safe to continue, err on the side of caution and head in. 
  • Follow the directions of the safety boat operator (if one available)
 
For more information on risks and safety consult our complete safety policy.