Safety

Indianapolis Rowing Center Safety Policy

*** note- current water temperature is about 40 degrees.  Only shells with 4 or more oars should be on the water as weather permits.  Direct coaching supervision is recommended.

 

2010 Emergency Action Plan

 Rowers

* All rowers must have a swimming proficiency test on file

* All rowers must have signed waiver of liability on file

* Minors (under 18) must not be on the water without adult supervision

* Singles are encouraged to use buddy system whenever possible

Observe Club Rules

* Utilize logbook in boathouse to log boat in and out every time

 

* Rowers may row from sunrise to sunset – boats must be off the water by sunset

  (only exception is for club sanctioned after hours rows with approved boat lighting)

Know The Venue

 

* Know and follow posted IRC traffic patterns

* Identify and remember locations of submerged hazards – notify other

  rowers when possible

Watch The Weather

 

* You must wait to row 30 minutes after last hearing thunder in order

  to avoid lightening strike

* Smaller boats are advised not to row when winds are over 15 mph

* The water temperature plus air temperature should equal 80 degrees in order to

  avoid hypothermia (more important for smaller boats)

* In hot and humid weather, hydrate generously and frequently. Signs of heat

   exhaustion include: dizziness, headache, muscle cramps and nausea.

In/On The Boat

* Check every boat for firmly attached bow ball

* Visual check of boat must include; fin, riggers, foot stretchers and seat

* Check for obvious damage/holes – report damage in repair book

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incident On The Water

 

* Know distress signals – wave arms/shirt in air; raise one oar vertical to boat (in 4 or 8 )

* Stay with the boat! Never attempt to swim ashore

* When assisting/identifying a boating incident, approach the site into the wind

   to avoid drifting into disabled boat

* Establish verbal contact with those in water and establish injuries if present

* Rescue first, those who appear to be in greatest distress

* Distribute life vests from rescue craft

* All attempts to bring injured into the launch should occur in pairs and not near

  the engine 

*Conduct a head count upon arrival to the scene and when leaving

* Complete incident / accident report