Safety

Lifejackets

Everyone under 18 and the coxswain must wear a life jacket. Your life jacket must be tightened so that it can not lift above your shoulders or dislodge so that it could suffocate you in the water. To tighten it start at the buckle pull the inner strap then pull the excess through the side buckle. Get the cox to show you if you are unsure. Your life jacket must be fitted properly before you get into the gig.

Man Over Board

The coxswain will initially point to the man over board, this duty is then taken over by the person rowing in position one. The gig will row to the person overboard and a secured life saving device will be thrown. The radio will be used to alert the coast guard and summon assistance. To retrieve the person everyone must listen carefully to the coxswain. The gig will approach the person down wind to ensure we don’t drift on to them. Everyone will be asked to move to the side of the gig so that it tips down towards the person in the water they can then be pulled aboard. The rower in 3 or 4 must ensure their sweep is safely stowed so that it is out of the way of the person we rescue. Once the person is pulled from the water everyone must move back to normal as soon as possible. The rescued person should be kept warm until help arrives.

Handling Sweeps (oars)

Sweeps can be dangerous weapons! As they are so long it’s easy to hit someone in the face especially if carried on your shoulder or above head height.

Select the right sweeps

The junior oars have blades which have striped wooden blades. We also use the ladies oars which have an “L” burned onto the handle above the number.

Taking the sweeps to the slip

Please take sweeps onto the slip after the gig has arrived so we don’t run them over!

We should always have one person at each end of the oar in the club house and across the steps. The oar should be carried below shoulder height.

Two people should lift the sweeps off the rack one each end of the oar, they should feed the oar out of the shed to the people who take it to the slip. Politely ask any people on the steps to clear them just while you transfer the sweeps. Store the sweeps at the side of the slip so that they do not get tripped or run over! Check you have all 6 sweeps!

Generally carry the sweeps up vertically not on your shoulder please!

Getting into the gig

If possible put your oar into position from the side of the gig wedge the handle under the seat in front so that it does not roll around.

Shipping your kit (putting oars up vertically)

Keep the sweep in the pins and pull the oar towards you. Push the handle down to the floor and wedge it with your foot. Next put one hand under the oar just above the leather then lever the oar towards you keeping the handle on the floor. Use your other hand to stop the oar from over balancing.

Getting out of the gig

Slide the sweep out of the pins into the water keeping the blade flat in the water. Lift the handle out of the pins and drag the oar behind you through the water. Hand the sweep to the person waiting as you get out.

Accident book

If you injure yourself (no matter how small) you must report this to the coxswain if in the gig or a responsible adult if on land. The incident must be reported in the accident book which is on the shelf in the gig shed. Please report near misses too as there may be an accident we can avoid.

What to wear

Shorts or tracksuit- with out pockets on the back side as they can rub. An old pair of trainers or something that you don’t mind getting wet. Bring extra clothes as it can be much colder and windier out at sea. Sunblock in summer, waterproof top hat, gloves and wellies during colder times. Water to drink.

Download this Safety Sheet as a PDF