COMPLIANCE WITH THE ARA WATER SAFETY CODE
The ARA has issued a Water Safety Code which requires all clubs to comply with basic safety standards. The code prescribes the duties of care for athletes, coaches and coxswains. The Safety advisor at Abingdon Rowing Club is Matt Robinson.
Safety is everyone's responsibility
- All members of the club have a duty of care towards safe rowing.
- No one is allowed to boat on the water without prior agreement from the Captain or their Coach.
- All members of the club need to be aware what to do in case of a medical emergency.
- All members need to acknowledge in writing that they are aware of their duties and responsibilities on theirs and the club's safety.
- All members should log their outings in the in/out log.
- All members are responsible to report and incidents or damages.
- Coaches need to train the athletes on responsible conduct on the water and while training to safeguard the athletes' health.
- Coxswains and steer(wo)men need to be fully aware of navigation rules, hazards and what to do in case of an emergency or accident.
- The safety advisor needs to report risk assessments on a regular basis to the committee.
WHAT YOU MUST DO TO ENSURE YOUR OWN SAFETY
Safety for ARC Athletes
- You MUST be able to swim AT LEAST 100 metres in light clothing.
- Know the rules of navigation.
- Log your outing on the boating record.
- Bring a change of kit and towel to each session for use in the event of a capsize
- Report any incident or damage to boats (please see Accident Log and Damage log on safety noticeboard).
- Assist any fellow water user in distress (please read first aid guidance on ARC Boat use).
- Read the ARA Water Safety Code.
- Using a boat is only allowed when you have the specific permission to do so - if in doubt ask the Captain.
- When going out in the evening or at dawn, use navigation lights.
- Know how to make an emergency stop and be signed off as a capable cox.
- Avoid injury whilst training by warming up, stretching and focusing on technique.
Safety for ARC Coxswains
To cox or scull you need to have been signed-off as being capable.
Coxing guide and form
Coxless guide and form
We have an excellent booklet providing a Guide to Coxes compiled by Brazier and Brazier with input from other sources. Please ask to see a copy. We also have an abridged guide with the essential information on Navigating Abingdon Reach.
Safety for ARC launchdrivers
To drive a launch you need to have been signed off as being capable.
Launch safety guide and form
Safety for ARC Boat Trailer Towing
To tow our boat trailer you need to have been signed off as being capable.
Trailer towing safety guide and form
WHAT TO DO IN CASE
1) You have an accident or damage the boat... All cases of accident involving injury and/or damage to person or equipment, shall be notified in writing in the ARC accident log as well as the ARC DAMAGE log. Keeping such records will assist both the Club and the ARA to identify trends on a local and national level. The observation of trends and unforeseen incidents form a valuable part of any future risk assessment.
ARA Safety Indcient Report form
Reports must contain
- A detailed summary of the incident, including date, time, names of boats and crew members, and light, wind and stream conditions.
- A sketch, showing boats, obstructions, direction of travel and stream.
- Statements by those involved and by witnesses in other boats or on the bank.
- If the accident requires first aid treatment then the name of the first aider should also be recorded, and the treatment given.
- Details of Hospitals, doctors or any other agency, involved.
- The report should be signed and dated by the Safety Adviser and an Officer of the Club.
- Reports are to be filled in as soon as practical after the event, certainly within 7 days and whilst memories are fresh. Copies should be kept for at least four years.
2) You see something at the club that you consider unsafe
The majority of the work done at the club is voluntarily so if you can do something about it, please do so immediately.
