Health & Safety

Rowing Ireland Water Safety Code

OCBC Summary for rowers.

  1. All members should be familiar with the full RI Water Safety Code is available on our Club website or at http://www.rowingireland.ie/rowing-ireland-water-safety-code/
  2. A list of vital telephone numbers relating to safety in general is displayed on the inside of the main UCDBC Boathouse access door and on the door between the boat bays and the changing rooms.
  3. Safety and First Aid equipment are available in UCDBC Boathouse.
  4. Plans of the Liffey – above and below the weir are fixed to the inside of the bay doors. Please note that rowing below the weir is not permitted unless the crew and/or coach are familiar with the waterway and safe water levels.
  5. Experienced crews boating from Blessington, or other locations, should ensure they know where to find the relevant information, for that stretch of waterway, relating to points 2 – 4 above.
  6. An accident log form is available on the Old Collegian’s web site – in case of accident, it should be downloaded, completed, and emailed to safetyofficer@oldcollegians.ie
  7. Rowing equipment should be maintained in good order with particular attention paid to the following:
    1. Every boat must at all times carry firmly attached to its bows a white ball of not less than 4cm diameter made of rubber or material of similar consistency.
    2. Heel restraints and “quick-release” mechanisms must be in proper and effective working order in all boats equipped with fitted shoes.
    3. Check oars and sculls to ensure that “buttons” are secure and properly set.
    4. Buoyancy compartments, bow and stern canvasses, etc., must be checked to ensure that they will function as intended.
  8. For early morning outings or rowing after sunset, boats shall be fitted with lights as required by the Department of the Marine or other statutory authority.
  9. All persons participating in rowing or sculling, including coxswains, must be in good health and able to swim a minimum of 100m in light clothing and shoes.
  10. Physically challenged athletes participating in organised rowing or sculling activities must be provided with suitable rescue facilities to cope with any accident whilst afloat.
  11. Crew organisers shall ensure that every member of the crews, of which they have charge, is aware of the appropriate safety procedures at all times – particularly when “occasional” rowers are involved.
  12. Steersmen/women must understand and observe local navigation rules of the river.
  13. All coxswains shall wear a life jacket (conforming to BS3595 standard) or a buoyancy aid of approved design at all times when on the water. Coxswains in “front-loader” positions must wear life jackets that allow them easy escape from their position.
  14. Do not boat if weather conditions are such that there is any doubt about the ability of the crew to deal with them. Carry a bailer or sponge if necessary. Be aware of the dangers and symptoms of hypothermia. Coxswains, in particular, Note that layers of clothing are more effective than one warm garment. The outer layer should be wind and waterproof.
  15. If you get the opportunity, obtain practical instruction in First Aid and resuscitation.
  16. Treat other water users with respect, as you would expect them to treat you.    

Old Collegians Boat Club. January 2018.

 

To download the above Safety code click here.

To download an accident report form click here.