Safe Rowing at Pengwern

2. Before You Boat – STOP, CHECK, DECIDE

STOP

Before launching, stop and consider whether the planned outing is appropriate for today’s conditions and for everyone in the crew.

CHECK

• River level and flow.
• Weather, wind, temperature and visibility.
• Debris, water quality and other hazards.
• Crew experience, fitness and confidence.
• Boat type and stability.
• Competence of the cox or steers.
• Any relevant club restrictions or warnings.

DECIDE

If the conditions, crew or equipment are not suitable, do not go afloat. Change the session, use a more suitable boat or seek advice.

Check the current Pengwern river status and safety guidance on the Safety Noticeboard in the Sculling Bay before boating.

3. Know Today’s River Conditions

• Check the current river level and flow before every outing.
• Follow Pengwern’s current river restrictions and warning status.
• Consider how flow affects steering, stopping and turning.
• Be alert to floating debris, particularly after rain or flooding.
• Consider wind, rain, cold, heat and poor visibility.
• Do not assume that because other crews are afloat, conditions are safe for your crew.

4. Know the River – Local Hazards

The Pengwern stretch of the River Severn contains locations where the consequences of poor steering, stopping or turning can be serious.

• Welsh Bridge: restricted visibility and bridge navigation require anticipation and good lookout.
• English Bridge: take particular care when approaching and passing the bridge and when turning nearby.
• Weir area: maintain the club’s required safe distance and never allow a crew to drift towards danger.
• Fast-flowing water: flow can increase significantly around bends, structures and obstructions.
• Shallow water and obstructions: do not assume that familiar water is free of changing hazards.
• Landing points: know where it is safe to stop or land if an emergency occurs.

New members and visiting rowers must be shown the local hazards and circulation arrangements before rowing independently.

5. Lookout and Navigation

• Keep a proper lookout at all times.
• Look behind before starting, turning, stopping or changing course.
• Do not rely on other people shouting warnings.
• Follow the Pengwern circulation plan and local navigation rules.
• Anticipate other rowing boats, paddlers, motor boats and river users.
• Maintain a safe speed for the conditions and your ability.
• Never assume that another boat has seen you.
• Do not wear earphones or anything that prevents you hearing warnings.

Coxes and steerspersons have a particular responsibility for maintaining lookout and controlling the boat safely, but every rower should remain alert and report hazards.

6. Check the Boat Before Every Outing

• Check the boat for damage.
• Check heel restraints and shoes.
• Check shoes are appropriate and can be released quickly.
• Check bow ball/security where fitted.
• Check hatch covers and bungs.
• Check seats, slides and fittings.
• Check rudder and steering arrangements.
• Check oars and blades.
• Check required safety equipment.
• Check lights where required.

7. Clothing, Cold Water and Personal Readiness

• Wear close-fitting clothing that allows free movement.
• Do not wear hoodies with front pockets when rowing or sculling.
• Do not wear bulky or heavy clothing that could impede movement or escape.
• Do not wear heavy cotton clothing or inappropriate outerwear when afloat.
• Do not roll leggings down around the ankles in boats that could capsize.
• Take additional warm clothing when conditions are cold.
• Keep a change of warm, dry clothing and a towel available onshore.
• Take account of hydration, food, medication and personal medical needs.

8. Capsize – Know What to Do

• Account for everyone in the crew.
• Get clear of trapped equipment.
• Stay with the boat whenever practicable.
• Do not attempt to swim away from the boat unless there is a compelling reason to do so.
• Get onto the upturned boat where possible.
• Move towards a safe landing point.
• Follow instructions from the coach, safety boat or other rescuers.
• Once ashore, get warm and dry and tell someone how you are feeling.

9. Who Can Go Afloat?

• New rowers must only row within the limits set by their coach or responsible club leader.
• Junior rowers must follow the club’s junior rowing safety arrangements and supervision requirements.
• Less experienced rowers should not be expected to manage conditions beyond their training.
• Single scullers must be particularly realistic about their own steering ability and the river conditions.
• Coxes and steerspersons must have the competence appropriate to the boat and conditions.
• Crews must not go afloat independently when club rules require supervision or support.

10. Safe Behaviour on the Water

• Follow the circulation plan.
• Keep a proper lookout.
• Maintain control of the boat at all times.
• Do not stop where other crews cannot see you.
• Do not turn upstream or upwind immediately in front of an obstruction.
• Do not deliberately approach hazards to “have a look”.
• Give other river users sufficient time and space to react.
• When overtaking, only do so when it is safe and in accordance with the local navigation rules.
• Do not allow training intensity or racing practice to override safety.
• If a situation becomes unsafe, stop the exercise and deal with the hazard.

11. If Something Goes Wrong

• Deal with immediate danger first.
• Account for everyone.
• Move away from hazards such as bridges, obstructions and fast-flowing water where possible.
• Call for help early rather than waiting for a situation to deteriorate.
• Follow the club emergency plan.
• Contact the emergency services when required.
• Report capsizes, collisions, injuries, equipment failures and significant near misses to the club.

12. Pengwern’s Five Golden Safety Rules

Detailed river restrictions, emergency procedures and local operating requirements are contained in the Pengwern Safety Plan and displayed on the Safety Noticeboard.

All members should complete the relevant British Rowing safety training and understand the club’s local safety rules before rowing independently.