PPRC

PPRC Water Safety & Boat Maintenance

From the 1 January 1995 the ARA Code of Practice for Water Safety became mandatory. At PPRC we have adjusted this to clarify instructions based on our own circumstances.

These instructions are mandatory – failure to observe them may result in rowing privileges being removed!

The Code is a lengthy document and replication in full here would not be particularly user friendly.

I have, for your attention, included selected highlights, which are pertinent if we are to enjoy our sport in safety.

I do urge you however to make yourself familiar with the Code in full which is prominently displayed on the notice board in the Club House.

It is, after all, in your own interest!

For evening outings or early morning outings, rowing after sunset / before sunrise, boats shall be fitted with lights as required by the "Rules for Mariners" published by the Department of Transport. Permission from must be obtained in advance from the captain or in my absence from your vice-captain. No novice crews will be allowed to boat at these times.

When any boat is placed on the water and before embarkation, the crew should check it to ensure that it is in a safe condition and that its moving parts are in working order, viz :
Check for leaks
Check buoyancy compartments, seals and ventilation bungs
Check outriggers, swivels, seats and stretchers for security
Check that heel release mechanisms are effective, ie quick release devices and heel restraints
Check rudder lines, steering mechanism, rudder and fin to ensure that everything is secure and in good working order
Check oars and sculls for damage and ensure that "buttons" are securely and properly set

Heel Release Mechanism

Where boats are fitted with "shoes" an effective release mechanism must be in place to ensure that the heels are released immediately a strain is put upon them consequent to accident or injury involving boat or person. Heel restraint cord / straps should be correctly adjusted and members instructed in the technique of release in the event of a capsize.

Maintenance

To maintain equipment in a sound and usable condition requires those organising rowing to establish procedures whereby damage to equipment is notified to responsible officials without delay and the damage repaired before the equipment is used again. Damaged equipment should be marked or "quarantined" to ensure that it is not used by others unaware of the damage.

NB:Please advise me by e-mail or in writing of any damage or spares required as soon as is practicable. Please also not that written notice is required.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Rowing and sculling are by their nature outdoor activities and as such are subject to the vagaries of weather in all its forms. It is important to recognise that contending with difficult weather conditions is part of the sports attraction and it is not the intention of these guidance notes to change this. However, safe enjoyment is the aim, not foolhardiness.

Before outings commence the Safety Adviser or senior member present shall have and exercise the authority to advise the suspension of boating activity should s/he believe the conditions unsafe for whatever reason. The senior member should carry out a risk assessment taking into account the experience of the crews and the severity of the conditions, including the ability to boat safely from the Barn Elms slipway. When carrying out risk assessments the senior member shall take into account direction of the current and wind patterns.
Inexperienced crews should not row east of Putney Bridge on an incoming tide especially in rough conditions unless a launch is present.
The direction of National River or other relevant authorities with regard to the inherent dangers in the weather conditions prevailing are to be observed at all times.
After all outings, "bungs" or buoyancy compartment traps should be removed to allow ventilation. Such items must be kept with the boat.

NB:Outings during adverse or difficult conditions are not permitted.

Unescorted Outings

Those crews boating from the premises unescorted or "out" of hours require the sanction of the Captain or in my absence your vice-captain.

NB:A risk assessment must be undertaken and if there is any doubt the crew should not boat.

Safety for the Individual

All active rowers and scullers shall:

Satisfy their Safety Officer that they are in good health and be able to demonstrate that they can swim a minimum distance of 100 meters in light clothing and shoes.
Comply with the PPRC Code of Practice for Water Safety.
Acquaint themselves fully with and obey rules of navigation both local and statutory.
Maintain their rowing equipment in good order and check that it is in a safe condition before use.
Ensure that beginners to the sport are not allowed to use equipment without adequate and prior instruction and are not allowed to boat unsupervised.
Be constantly aware of the rights of others to the free use of the water and extend to them at all times the courtesy they would similarly wish to receive.

It is recommended that active members should learn and practice capsize and accident drills. Every opportunity should be taken to learn simple first aid, life saving and resuscitation techniques.

Single scullers (apart from beginners on the water under supervision) are responsible for their own safety and actions and must observe the requirements of the PPRC Code of Practice for Water Safety.

Separate guidance will be given in due course to coxswains and coaches, if you would like a copy please ask.