Health and Safety Policy

Purpose

The College’s rowing organisation is required to make a risk assessment with respect to all matters arising from their activities associated with rowing. The areas that affect us most are the safety of the rowers biking to and from Kerr’s Reach and, in particular, the training at Kerr’s Reach. Regattas are the responsibility of the organisers of the events.

As long as we take all the necessary precautions, there should be no problem with liability. This does not remove the responsibility of each individual involved in rowing to ensure that they have read the regulations with regard to the three above areas.

All rowers and parents are asked to read the following and to sign that they have done this on the registration form, which will be returned to the Rowing Co-ordinator. Failure to sign will mean that the student will not be able to participate in rowing.

Guidelines

Cycling to and from Kerr’s Reach:

helmets must be worn at all times;
hi-vis vests must be worn at all times;
all rowers will abide by the road rules and, in particular; keep left, ride single file, and not ‘run the red lights’;
bikes are not to be ridden on the College campus;
all rowers must follow the set route to Kerr’s Reach, and if returning to the College, follow the same route back. This requires rowers to avoid Papanui Road;
it is the responsibility of the parents/caregivers and students to ensure that the bike is road-worthy. All bikes should be checked and maintained on a regular basis;
if riding in the dark for any reason, front and rear lights must be fitted;
bikes and helmets need to be locked when stored at the College.

Training at Kerr’s Reach and Regattas:

all rowers are able to swim 50 metres in light clothing and shoes;
all rowers must inform the Rowing Co-ordinator, coach, or person responsible for the boat if they have any health problems that mean they may be at risk if a boat capsized or they were thrown in the water;
it is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that the rowers have the correct clothing in relation to the weather conditions. It is the responsibility of the rowers to ensure that they bring clothing that is appropriate for the conditions;
all crews must abide by the instructions of the person in charge of the boat at all times. That person will be the Cox in the case of coxed crews, and the Stroke in non-coxed crews, unless the coach appoints another person to be in charge of the boat;
- if a boat capsizes, it will not sink. The crew must stay with the boat, then push the boat to shore while keeping everyone talking;
- a life-jacket must be worn by the Coxswain and Buoyancy Aids (once an approved one is available), are carried in the boat by all crew members;
- a single Sculler must not row alone and must take a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) with them. Another boat or coach must be in close proximity in case of a problem;
- due care must be taken at all times to ensure the safety of individuals when transferring boats from shed to water and return;
- the Coxswain is responsible for ensuring that there are no collisions on the water;
- all rowers are responsible for their own protection from the sun, ensuring they are hydrated and have a small First-Aid kit, including band-aids;
- all rowers need to be supervised by an adult if they are wanting to go for a swim, with the Teacher in Charge on camps/regattas being notified.

Health Issues

Rowers must advise the Director of Rowing of any underlying health issues or allergies, etc. which may affect them while rowing or away at camps or regattas. These also need to be outlined at the beginning of the season when Consent and Health and Safety forms are completed.

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