9 Things to Know About Safety

National Safe Boating Week is a good time for reminders. Over the years, technology has improved. We can identify looming weather situations and track boats, but some things remain the same: weather threats, lightning strikes, and overall hazardous conditions. 
Review USRowing's resources on water safety and best practices.  

1. Know the waterway: Get familiar with the site map. Learn all right-of-way areas, hazards, and Safe Haven exit points, should lightning or other threatening conditions arise. Being aware of your surroundings helps reduce the risk of accidents. 
2. Check your equipment. Is the boat ready to row? Do you have a firmly attached bow ball, heel ties, lights, and medical equipment? Do athletes have their medications and inhalers readily available? 
3. Can all rowers swim? If not, they should wear a PFD. 
4. Always assess the conditions and stay safe. Is it windy? Thundering? Cold? Strong currents can cause accidents and add to the debris on the water. Fog is disorienting, and lights are needed for darkness. Lightning means stay off or get off the water. Assess before you launch. Staying off the water is always a safe option. 
5. Develop an emergency plan and ensure that everyone is aware of it. It is essential to know the addresses of your boathouse, land addresses of boathouses in the area, and any ramps to better assist emergency vehicles for rescue during an emergency. 
6. Use your logbook. Always sign out and sign back in. Everyone should know what boats are on the water at all times. 
7. Keep boathouse floors, docks, and ramps clear. 
8. Everyone on the launch must wear a PFD and meet training requirements. Carry enough PFDs and rescue equipment for the crew. Do not coach from a single. If the coached boat has an incident, can the coach rescue anyone? Are they carrying life jackets for their rowers? 
9. Check the checklist. USRowing has an official Safety Audit Checklist. Are you being prudent? In the pressure of launch time, we sometimes act hastily. Do you have everything you need? Do you have an emergency plan?

There are so many more than 9 things to know. If an accident does occur, it should be reported here. 

USRowing Safety and Safeguarding. 
 
Do not take chances.  

Row smart. Row safe.