Rowing is a safe sport when conducted with due consideration for the risks inherently associated with any outdoor water sport. There is the risk of personal injury from collision and the risk of drowning when rowing participants find themselves in the water. All risks are heightened in cold water. While contending with difficult weather conditions is part of the sport, safe enjoyment of the sport is the aim. Concern for personal safety must be paramount. The club is responsible for assessing the risks in its particular environment and in establishing the appropriate safety procedures to minimize those risks. Nothing in this document in any way limits an individual’s responsibility for assessing his or her personal skills and for the outcome of his or her decisions and actions.

Cold Weather And Water

Preparation and prevention are essential in protecting against the effects of the cold-water environment.
All persons should wear protective clothing appropriate for the conditions and their activity, and as far as possible commensurate with the needs of the rowing motion and activity, with the objective being to keep the body dry and to insulate against heat loss.
When the water temperature is at 10 degrees Celsius or below, or otherwise when the environmental conditions may warrant, special safety precautions, proposed by the club safety officer, should be considered. Possibilities for additional safety precautions include:
allowing members to go out on the water, where appropriate, only if attended by a safety craft carrying a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) of appropriate size for all individuals being attended.
not allowing members to go out on the water

Hot Weather

As with cold weather, preparation and prevention are important in protecting against the effects of heat.
All persons should wear protective clothing appropriate for the conditions and their activity
Use of sun block with a high SPF factor.
Drink plenty of water before, during and after exposure to hot weather
Address any symptoms of heat stress immediately.