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Coxless Safety

Steering a sculling boat or coxless sweep-oared boat is difficult: (a) because you are going backwards, and (b) because you have to think about your rowing at the same time. We don't want to have any accidents so here are some points that you need to follow when you are out in a coxless boat.

  1. Check the boat. You and your crew should check that your boat is in good order before going afloat. Check the rudder, the fin, the heel restraints, the watertight compartments, the stretcher fittings, the riggers, and seats as appropriate
  2. Sign out. Write your name, the time boating and the name of the boat in the outings book.
  3. How to steer. In a scull you should row a longer stroke with one oar than with the other to steer. When you are foot steering, just point your foot the way that you want to go.
  4. Looking around. You should look right around often, usually at least every five strokes and more often when you are going round a corner. Don't worry if it messes up the balance, safety comes first. In time you will learn to balance the boat with your head turned round. The best time to look around is at the end of the stroke when your body is still and just your hands are moving.
  5. Rules of the river. At Derby you should always travel on the right hand side of the river, i.e. with bow side nearest to the bank, and show consideration for the needs of other users.
  6. Shouting a warning. Watch out for other boats and shout a loud warning if you think that they are going to get in your way: "Look ahead!".
  7. Emergency stop. Always be on your guard to do an emergency stop. It is a good idea to practise this often, just like people do when they are learning to drive.
  8. Give way to overtaking crews. If another rowing crew wants to overtake you then their cox should call to you "May I come by?". You should then move over to the side of the river and call back "Come by!" to let them through.
  9. Keep away from weirs. Always make sure that you turn your boat around at least 100m before you get to a weir. When there is a lot of current you need to be even more careful and not go even within 400m of a weir. Also be aware of the submerged island opposite the Silk Mill
  10. Don't cut corners. Because you never know what might be around them.
  11. Objects in the water. Watch out for swimmers and dogs. There are also sometimes large logs floating in the Derwent.
  12. Fishermen. They can be very grumpy. Try to keep out of their way and avoid catching their lines. If you do by accident, always apologise
  13. If the boat overturns. It the boat overturns (which happens quite often when people are learning to scull) it will not sink. If you do overturn then hold on to the boat and then swim it over to the bank. At this point you may be able to tip the water out of the boat, get back in and row it back home safely. But if the conditions are too rough, or the boat is too damaged you may need to lift the boat out and go to get help. Ensure people keep moving so that they don’t get cold. YOU AND YOUR CREW ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY EQUIPMENT
  14. Floods. Only experienced crews are permitted on the river when the stream is strong. If there are less than 4 wooden steps showing, then only experienced crews are permitted to boat. If there are less than 3 wooden steps showing then NO ONE may boat. Remember that the stream will sweep you onto navigational hazards such as projecting trees, bridge pillars and bends much more quickly. Allow substantially more distance in which to take action. In particular remember that the stream increases as one gets closer to the weir and in no circumstances go within 400m of the weir. It is good practice in high water conditions to turn immediately below St Mary's Bridge, well before the island.
  15. Rowing in the dark. Don't go out after dark unless you are experienced and have the correct lights, which is white at the bow and red at the rear. If you attach the lights to riggers, then you should have red and white lights facing in the correct direction on both sides of the boat.
  16. Remember to sign in again. We don't want to have to send out search parties!
  17. All steersmen and scullers must read the ARA Water Safety Code, a copy of which is kept at the club.

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