Safety and insurance
All rowers must be aware of the CPGA Codes of practice and adhere to them.
The club must appoint a trained Heath and Safety advisor to:
- deal with all aspects of club safety
- make sure all rules are adhered to
- make sure risk assessments are carried out for all activities
The club safety officer must ensure that all equipment is in good order and members should report defects as soon as is practicable.
A first aid kit should be available in the clubroom.
All gigs should be licensed by Bristol Harbour Authority and hold £3m third party Insurance liability.
Information on the club notice board or website
You must have the following information available on the club notice board:
- CPGA Codes of practice
- the local Notice to Mariners
- a plan of the harbour
- a list of important telephone numbers containing Harbour Office, Dockmaster, Netham Locks and Committee members
All rowers must be made aware of our water quality in the harbour.
Coxswains
The coxswain is the person in control of the gig (not the coach)
Coxswains must:
- check the local Notice to Mariners daily before going afloat to ensure there are no conflicts with planned rowing activity
- be familiar with the harbour navigation rules and hazards
- complete the Rowing log prior to going afloat
- not take out rowers who are inexperienced in rough / cold weather conditions
All coxswains and non - swimmers must wear a suitable lifejacket.
Avon Gorge training sessions must not be done with less than 2 gigs experienced coxswains.
Before you get in the water
You must provide full safety equipment (as per CPGA regulations) if you plan to row in tidal river conditions.
Suitable weather conditions clothing must also be worn by all rowers.
All novices must be accompanied by sufficient experienced rowers and a coxswain.
A mobile telephone or VHF radio must be carried when in the tidal river sections and when rowing in the dark.
You must contact the lock keeper on 0117 977 6590 before your trip if you plan to go into the the tidal River Avon at Netham Lock. River conditions can be very unpredictable due to excessive floodwater and high tidal ranges at times. Rowing is not permitted in this area at these times. Netham Weir and sluices are hazardous.
On the water
Once you are on the water you must:
- navigate on the right hand side of the harbour
- give way to craft coming down stream at bridges and at Totterdown lock if you're going upstream towards Netham
- take care at all bends and constricted areas; rowing boats must give way to all other craft in the harbour
- display an all round white light if you are rowing in the dark
You must not:
- pass under Brislington Bridge
- race side by side unless in an organised event