Clyde  A R C

Established 1865

Safety on the River

While we row on a section of the river which is normally calm there are a number of hazards, some of which are permanent, and some of which are transient. You should always follow the instructions of a coach or a senior club member regarding safety procedures, and the senior committee member presence always has responsibility for making safety decisions.

As a Scottish Rowing affiliated Club we adhere to the Water Safety Code. We have a dedicated Safety Officer, and any incident that occurs on the river must be reported to the Safety Officer.

Safety Guidelines

Make sure you are fully acquainted with, and at all times obey, the local rules of navigation specific to the Clyde above the weir, namely:

Beginners should not use equipment without prior and adequate instruction and not boat unsupervised. It is also important that they do not go above the 500 metre straight on which the boathouse is situated – i.e. out of sight. All rowers and scullers should be able to swim 100 metres in light clothing. All should be prepared to demonstrate this on request by the Safety Advisor. Beginners should also make themselves aware of obstacles on the river.

Do not attempt to turn your boat around on a bend, or under a bridge.

No rowers are allowed beyond the corner at the top of the 5km Belvedere straight.

All equipment should be in good working order and in a safe condition before use. If you discover this not to be the case please report the damages and do not use the equipment until it has been repaired. If damaged, a note must be left on the boat to warn other club members and boathouse users of the boat condition.

All coxswains must wear a lifejacket when on the water. Coxswains in “front-loader” positions must wear lifejackets, which allow them easy escape from their position – i.e. not the foam filled type. There are also lifejackets available for beginners going out in aquajogs and sculls.

All coxswains must learn and use simple commands for boat control on and off the water: use them correctly, clearly and instinctively: and understand the basic commands and signals of other river users.

All persons steering a boat are responsible for the crew/sculler in his/her charge. The coach shall ensure that every member of the crews in which he/she has charge is aware of the appropriate safety procedures at all times.

All coaches on the bank should carry a rescue line/throw-bag with them up the bank.

In cases of emergency the Human Society (located at the top of the 500 metre straight) should be contacted. Please see notice on the boathouse door for contacts in case of emergency.

Finally, you must be constantly aware of the right of others to the free use of the water and extend to them at all times the courtesy you would similarly wish to receive.

Capsizes

In the event of a capsize:

Reporting a safety incident

Please use the report form here to make a water safety report.