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Safety and Rules

Rowing Handout for Novice Rowers

The handout provides some basic information that every new rower should know. Download it in PDF format here.

Rules of the River Wear

Durham College Rowing (DCR) is the body that oversees and governs college rowing in Durham. St. Aidan's College Boat Club is part of this body and the Club Captain sits on the College Rowing Executive Committee. These links are essential reading for coxes and coaches!

• DCR summary of the River Wear rules.
• DCR regulations.
• DCR fines.

Accidents must be reported to a member of SACBC Executive Committee - however minor.

Safety

• The safety of a crew must be considered paramount during all rowing activities.
• Rowers should be aware that by their nature all watersports are inherently more dangerous than land-based sports.
• All rowers are expected to behave in a sensible and mature manner whilst rowing.
• All rowers must have passed a DCR supervised swim test.

Safety tips and instructions

Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourselves with these procedures - they could one day save your life. Being immersed in the water is very unusual and can generally be avoided with vigilance and sensible behaviour.

• "Dry-drowning", "Cold-shock", and "Muscle Failure" are all conditions that can occur in the first instances of being in the water. They are all nervous system over-reactions to the sudden change in temperature. On entry to the water there is an involuntary gasp (in-drawing of breath); if water is inhaled at this point it could choke you or cause a muscle spasm that closes your wind-pipe, both of which could suffocate you. If you fall-in, make a conscious effort to hold your breath BEFORE you enter the water.


• Be prepared and have a plan. If something does go wrong you need to know what to do to get yourself safe. First you need to get your feet out as soon as you know you're going in. Once in the water you will feel disorientated and your breathing will be irregular, it is the natural reaction of your body, you need to be mentally prepared for this, DO NOT PANIC!


• Stay with the boat (unless it sinks). This is because it makes it easier to rescue you, as it is easier to find one boat than it is to find numerous separate heads bobbing up at down in the water. All boats are inherently buoyant, so it will help you stay afloat.


• Hypothermia is a risk with exposure to the cold water - in winter temperatures this can occur within minutes. Replace wet clothing and seek shelter.


• Look after your friends - whilst avoiding putting yourself in further danger!