Safety
All rowers must be aware of and adhere to the British Rowing Safety Codes.
All members (particularly during periods of heavy rain) should be aware of water quality test results before they go out on the water.
Coaches, Coxswains and Senior Oarsmen in charge of others must not take out rowers in weather conditions beyond their experience and ability unless additional safety measures have been put in place.
The Coxswain or Steersman is the person responsible for the safety of the boat and crew.
Licences
All rowing boats must hold a City Docks Navigation License and be insured for third party liability to £3 million cover.
Club responsibilities
The club or organisation must make sure that:
- a full risk assessment for all rowing activities has been carried out and that all rowers are aware of its contents
- there is a proper training programme to cover first aid and safety boat handling
- a Safety Advisor has been appointed who will ensure that all safety codes are being adhered to and all first aid and safety equipment is in good condition and easily available at all times; all rowers must obey his/her instructions on club safety matters
- all rowers are aware of any events taking place in the harbour before going afloat
- a system is in place to ensure that club members know the vessels out on the water, their time out, and expected time in
Club notice board
The club must have a notice board with:
- the location of the first aid box and any safety equipment
- telephone numbers of the Harbour Office and relevant club officers
- all relevant Local Notices to Mariners with all major events and marine related issues highlighted
- a plan of the harbour
- any local rules and hazards
Before you get in the water
Coxswains, safety boat drivers and non swimmers must wear lifejackets.
All boats must have integral buoyancy sufficient to remain afloat in all circumstances.
All rowers must dress appropriately for the weather conditions. During cold weather space blankets are kept in the coaching launch.
All beginners and juniors must be under the direct supervision of a qualified coach and have a coaching launch in attendance
A maximum of 14 boats can be on the water at any one time, unless the Harbour Master or one of his deputies has given permission.
On the water
All vessels must keep to the right.
Crews must be in a position to stop within the limit of their view ahead.
Extreme caution must be observed at bridges, pinch points and areas where the navigation channel is visually obstructed.
Boats rowing during dark hours must display a white light visible from all directions.
Coaching launches are not permitted to exceed the speed limits in the harbour except when in attendance with a boat being coached, or for safety reasons.
Rowing is not permitted west of the Boathouse between 0900 and dusk unless permission has been gained from the Harbour Authority.
Netham
All rowers who intend to pass beyond Netham Lock on to the River Avon should be aware of tidal conditions that may affect water levels, and published lock closure times. If in any doubt information should be sought from the Lock Keeper on 0117 977 6590
Do not pass West of New Bridge. Netham weir can be hazardous even in seemingly benign conditions.
Totterdown Basin
The 90 degree turn at Totterdown Basin combined with the narrowing of the navigation channel through the old lock is a hazard that all crews should be aware of.
Never assume that the way forward is clear. The manner and positioning of approach should allow the best achievable view ahead.