Safety PolicySAFETY POLICY/SMALL BOAT SAFETY Introduction Recent
incidents including the tragic death of a 12 years old boy on the Thames and the
capsizing of three of our own scullers have again highlighted the heightened risks
associated with the use of small boats, i.e. doubles, pairs and singles. Please
note, risks also exist, albeit to a lesser degree, when using larger boats, i.e.
fours and eights, and the safety drills are common. Dangers cannot be eliminated
entirely but we must all make a huge effort to minimise them. Our committee
has discussed the matter. The major hazards have been identified and for small
boats we have agreed a safety policy. The Danger The big danger
is falling out of the boat either as a result of catching a crab or as a result
of a collision with another boat, a navigation mark, a bridge or a large piece
of driftwood. Another hazard, particularly for novice scullers is the wash from
passing motor boats with inconsiderate or unaware drivers. A lesser danger is
that of "sinking" in rough water, although even when full of water racing
boats will not actually sink as they still float albeit a little below the surface.
In cold winter conditions survival time in the water is likely to be
extremely short. The golden rule for anyone suddenly finding themselves
in the water, particularly in winter is; do not abandon the boat to try to
swim to the shore. An Oxford oarsman lost his life by trying to do this. Instead,
keep hold of the boat, even if it's upside down it will keep you afloat, and then
as quickly as possible using your legs/free arm push the boat towards the nearest
shore/shallow water. There you should be able to turn it upright and clamber back
on board. This will give you the best possible chance of survival. If, at the
river's edge, you find you can't get back on board then and only then abandon
the boat and try to get yourself out of the water. Our Policy All
active members of the club must be competent swimmers. Under 18s are
NOT permitted to go out in any boat, without a senior member on board, outside
recognised club training sessions. Even during club sessions, they are not
to go out without the permission of a senior coach or club official. During
all club training, other than land training, a rescue boat must be either on the
water or available for launching immediately. There must also be competent people
available to crew this boat.
Provided they have taken account of all
relevant factors listed below, over 18s, who are considered by the committee to
have sufficient local experience, are permitted to go on the river at their own
discretion but, it must be clearly understood that all outings are entirely
at their own risk. Furthermore, in adverse weather members are strongly advised
to comply with the common sense restrictions suggested below. Before
going on the water consider: - IF IN DOUBT, THEN DON'T GO OUT.
-
Weather conditions are crucial in deciding whether or not it is wise to go out.
The main factor is the strength and direction of the wind. A northerly or north
westerly wind is always likely to make the river rough. Consider too the risk
of sudden squalls, particularly in winter when the temperature can drop like a
stone and the river can suddenly become very rough.
- Is the river
in flood? If so, the danger will be hugely increased, particularly in cold weather.
Also, remember in flood conditions there's likely to be driftwood. Huge chunks
of wood such as whole fallen trees floating quickly downstream, like big crocodiles,
are potentially lethal.
- Individuals should consider how experienced/competent
they are in small boats.
- Is all equipment to be used in good condition?
For example, small holes in the decking can cause a boat to fill with water if
it's rough. Hulls need to be intact, riggers tight and blades strong. Adequate
heel restraints are vital.
- Individuals must also consider how
well they know the river. Do you know where to find shelter from the wind? Do
you know suitable places along the bank where you are likely to be able to climb
back into the boat or get ashore? Do you know where the shallows are, particularly
at low water? Do you know where the flow is strongest? Do you know where all obstacles
are?
- Does anyone know you are going out? If using club equipment,
remember to make an entry in the log sheet.
- In cold weather wear
as much warm clothing as possible. In the event of falling into cold water, several
layers of warm clothing could save your life.
After going afloat
remember: - Stick to the rules of the river. The basic rule is it's
the opposite to the rule of the road i.e., keep right. On the Bann this means
proceeding upstream close to the west bank (Killowen side) and downstream close
to the east bank (Boathouse side). Unless the tide is very low you can use the
main western arch of Sandleford Bridge when going upstream. If the tide is low
and you are in any doubt, however, then cross over and use the eastern arch. It
is absolutely vital that the steerer of any boat going upstream through the eastern
arch of the Sandleford Bridge and passing the navigation post at the Ford should
first satisfy himself/herself that no boats are coming downstream. Boats going
upstream must give way to boats coming downstream.
- If the river
is rough due to a northerly or north westerly wind then seek shelter, where the
flow is lower, close to the reeds along the west bank.
- In
rough conditions, if seeking as much shelter as possible close to the west bank
in contravention of the normal rules of the river when going downstream, then
look round frequently and take truly exceptional care. In such rough conditions,
other steerers going upstream and coxes of larger craft must keep a particularly
sharp look-out and be prepared to make special allowances for small boats seeking
shelter. In these circumstances a degree of flexibility, extra commonsense and
special care is needed.
- If the flow is strong don't even think
of going below the town bridge. Indeed, it's not advisable to go downstream of
the boathouse steps; as if anything were to go wrong you would be swept below
the bridge in no time. In fast flowing conditions you may also consider turning
just above Sandleford Bridge, where the flow starts to get much stronger, but
at all times stay well clear of the bridge pillar.
- If the tide
is very low remember there are dangerous shallows under both extreme arches of
the town bridge, from the western arch of Sandleford Bridge upstream to the ford
and right out into the middle of the river above the big bend up towards The Cutts.
Summary Commonsense
tells us that a big, fast-flowing, tidal river like the Bann requires us to treat
it with the greatest possible respect. In any case, consideration of the above
points ought to reinforce the message that there is considerable danger. Only
the most experienced and competent rowers/scullers should even consider going
out on the river when there is any doubt whatsoever about any of the above, particularly
when on their own. It must be clearly understood, however, that at all times
all over 18s, using club equipment or boating from club premises, do so entirely
at their own risk. All active members of the club are required to
certify that they have read this document carefully, understand it and agree to
its terms. |
