Rowing SA Expectations
Safety
Rowing SA expects that all participants, coaches, schools and clubs meet the following baseline expectations, noting these expectations are not exhaustive.
Athlete Competence and Individual Responsibility
Rowing SA expects that:
- Athletes are operating at their level of competency.
- Athletes can swim 50m in light clothing.
- Athletes can tread water for at least 3 minutes in light clothing.
- Athletes have completed capsize and swamping response training.
- Athletes only row in conditions and events that match their level of competency.
- Athletes have practical experience handling windy and choppy conditions.
- Athletes understand how to adjust rowing technique to maintain balance in adverse conditions.
- Athletes should stay with their boat, unless seriously damaged or unable, as the boat is the life raft.
- Athletes know the signal for assistance on the water (eg. waving an arm overhead).
- Responsibility for self-assessment is shared by coaches and parents/guardian (u18).
Equipment Standards
Rowing SA expects that Clubs and Schools uphold the following standard:
- Boats that meet Rowing Australia minimum flotation requirements.
- Heel ties and quick-release shoes are:
- properly fitted
- functioning;
- and checked before launching.
- Every boat must have a ball of not less than 4cm diameter firmly fitted on its bow.
- All bungs, hatch covers, and seals are fitted, functional and correctly used.
- Steering, rigging and oars are operating safely.
- Equipment is appropriate for conditions.
- Lights on boat (forward and aft) are used in low light conditions.
Coaching, School and Club Responsibilities
Rowing SA expects that coaches, schools and clubs:
- Conduct risk assessments and adjust plans based on crew skill and conditions.
- Conduct progressive training to build skills in all conditions.
- Ensure athletes only participate in events and weather conditions they are competent to handle.
- All participants have received instruction in boat-handling and technique including how to manage wind and chop, steer/stop/turn safely, and complete capsize/swamping drills, from a qualified coach.
- Evaluate environmental conditions and determine if it is safe for participants to go out on the water.
- Maintain boats to ensure they remain in a safe working condition.
- Supervise and monitor athlete safety during training and regattas.
- Consider athlete confidence, fatigue, and skill level in decision making.
- Athlete compliance with safety briefings and directions is enforced by clubs.
- When riding a bicycle, will wear an approved helmet and a high vis vest (West Lakes).
Safety Officers
Each Club and School is required to nominate a Safety Officer within Rowing Manager each season.
The details recorded within Rowing Manager will be used by Rowing SA for official safety and operational communications.