Safety

Indianapolis Rowing Center Safety Policy

2012 Emergency Action Plan

Rowers

* All rowers must have a swimming proficiency test on file.  Completed tests are good for four years.

* All rowers must have a signed waiver of liability on file for the current year

* 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 90 degrees in order to avoid hypothermia (more important for smaller boats).  

USRowing suggests that the water temperature+air temperature equals AT LEAST 90F before going out on the water in order to keep people from getting hypothermia.  However, regardless of the air temperature, when the water temperature is below 50F, the risk of hypothermia in a short time is very real, and we make sure that all boats which launch have 4 or more oars until the water warms up to at least 65-70F (Still very cold, but not immediately life-threatening).  Our coaches are advised before all practices when the water temperature is dangerous so they are aware of the danger present to rowers that may leave their shells during practice.

We obtain our air temperature data from the ASOS station at Eagle Creek Airpark (KEYE) via Weather Underground and our water temperature data from the USGS Eagle Creek gauge at Zionsville and from a thermometer off the end of the dock

* 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

* 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