Dragon Boat Racing can only be carried out in the harbour as part of a recognised pre arranged event. It must be contained in an area that's authorised for water activity.
Licences and insurance
All boats and paddles used for racing must carry an International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Boat manufacturers licence (correct construction and buoyancy for racing).
All craft helms must be BDA Helm level qualified.
Racing must be under the control of a qualified BDA race official.
A suitable operation plan and emergency action plan must be in place before any racing taking place.
The event organiser must:
- make sure race organisers are experienced and comply fully with all BDA and COP recommendations for racing
- have Public and Employers Liability Insurance, third party cover £3,000,000
Safety
Risk assessments must be made before any event takes place.
There must be a qualified first aider on site.
All event marshals must be easily identified by high visibility clothing.
Three safety boats must be deployed throughout the racing period, with suitably qualified and experienced crew.
Buoyancy aids
All crews participating in charity festivals must wear an approved buoyancy aid at 50 newtons buoyancy for adults.
Experienced crews participating in league racing don't have to wear buoyancy aids unless they're requested to do so by the Chief Operations Officer on a daily basis.
Non swimmers must wear a buoyancy aid at all times.
Anyone under 18 years of age must wear a suitable buoyancy aid. The buoyancy aid should be checked by a qualified leader, who will give full instructions on how to use them.
Before you get in the water
Pre-race safety briefings must be carried out before any crews board.
Water quality information should be given to all participants before they take part.
Crew lists must be presented to the race officials before boarding takes place.
Any person who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances should not be allowed to participate in any racing.