Boathouse Safety Plan
All active rowers should familiarise themselves with “The Tideway Code - A Code of Practice forrowing and paddling on the tidal Thames”
All steers, coxes and coaches must have passed the club Steering and Navigation test
It is strongly recommended that there is at least one mobile phone
(in a waterproof case) on board any craft out on the water.
The Emergency Action Plan and BoathouseSafety Plan can be viewed below. A single pdf of this information can be found here
PRIOR TO GOING AFLOAT
Coach, cox and each crew member to carry out a personal risk assessment taking into account factors such as water/weather conditions and their personal health condition, as described in the Tideway Code
Coach, cox and crew members should carry out a safety inspection of the boat - heel restraints, hatches, bow ball, riggers, gates etc – and correct any issues found before going afloat
Cox or steers must sign out on the boat log in the boatshop, including a estimated return time
Coxes and launch occupants must wear suitable life jackets. The launch driver must use a kill cord
If boating in the dark, both rowing boats and launches must be correctly lit according to the legal requirements as specified in the Rowing Code
AFTER THE OUTING
Cox or steers to sign back in on the boat log in the boatshop
Crew should wash the boat and blade handles. Always wash hands after outings and before eating.
A shower is also recommend, especially if you have become wet or cold during the outing
If you noticed any damage to the boat, fittings or blades during the outing, fill in the boat repair log and report the damage to the Captaincy
BEFORE YOU LOCK THE BOATSHOP
Check all entries on the boat log are checked back in
Are all the boats accounted for (on their racks, or signed out for repairs/regattas)?
Are all launches back in, have trestles and petrol tanks been stored away?
If YES to all the above, close and padlock the shutter doors, switch off the lights and lock the boatshop door
IF SOME BOATS/CREWS ARE STILL UNACCOUNTED FOR AND OVERDUE
If it’s a coxed and/or coached boat, call the cox or coaches mobile
Ask around to find out if other crews/coaches have seen them
Cycle or walk along the bank (in the direction that they set out if known) and see if you can find them
If you can’t locate them on the water, check with the other boathouses
If, having taken the steps above, you are still concerned about the missing crew, especially if weather/water/day light conditions have deteriorated, DO NOT PANIC. Follow the Emergency Action Plan
REPORTING INCIDENTS
In an emergency situation follow the Emergency Action Plan
For minor incidents there are two first aid kits available, one in the kitchen and one in the changing room. These have names and contact details of qualified First Aiders and in the changing room there is also a first aid book available as well as some instructional first aid posters.
All incidents both on and off the water or on land should be reported, especially if they involve damage or injury. Details of water based incidents that should be reported are available on the club website. You should inform the following people of incidents or rowing/training related issues.
If appropriate, submit a report via the British Rowing online reporting system (for issues with other rowers)
A member of the Club Captaincy
The Club Safety Advisor (who will advise if other agencies need to be made aware)
London VTS (for issues with motor vessels) on 0203 2607711
