The Baltimore Rowing Club -- Safety

The Baltimore Rowing Club insists that our programs be as safe as possible. It is important that rowers, coaches, and coxswains use care and caution. Our first concern is safety; not winning races, developing skills, or improving our fitness. Our first obligation is to protect our people, then to protect the equipment. Please take these guidelines seriously. They are for your protection, and for members of BRC, they are your personal responsibility.

The "Four Oars" Rule

Bow Certification

Traffic Patterns

Standard Pattern Below is the standard traffic pattern for all crews who row in the waters between the Middle Branch Basin and the Inner Harbor. BRC asks all rowers and coxswains to make sure they know this pattern in great detail.	Windy Day Pattern When the wind is strong and high, BRC alters crews traffic patters so that accidents do not happen. It is the responsibilty of rowers and coxswains to be aware of and use the traffic pattern below when the weather deems it necessary.

Weather

Check weather predictions before you leave home. Keep an eye on the weather before and during practice. Check for rough water in the middle of the basin as you look from the docks.

Do not row, or come in immediately if you notice any of the following

a small craft advisory is issued
thunder or lightning
whitecaps
waves slopping half way over the dock or more
wind or rough water becomes too much for your skill level and the size of your boat

Wind

Generally the shore from which the wind is blowing will provide shelter so that you can row there. Be sure the wind is not so high that you cannot make it to the sheltered area. Familiarize yourself with the "Windy Day" traffic pattern.

Thunderstorms

Come in at the first sight of lightning or sound of thunder. If you are too far from the boathouse and the storm comes up quickly, take shelter.

Always take care of people first, secure equipment only if it is safe to do so. If you are under the bridge and can not get to the boathouse safely, stay there.

Wait at least a half hour after that last thunder or lightning before you go back on the water.

Cold

In cold weather: wear a hat, a water-win-proof outer layer, and insulating layers under it. The inner layers should wick moisture away from your body and remain warm even when wet. Coxes dress warmly.

Heat

In hot weather, help prevent heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke--carry at least a quart (liter) of water and drink often even if you are not thirsty.

Wear light clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen.

Dark

Be seen, be heard, do not hit anything.

When you row in the dark, ALL boats MUST have working lights: Bow lights are red-for-port, green-for-starboard, and the stern light is white.

Be certain you are completely familiar with the traffic patterns and locations of the channel markers in daylight so you can give the markers a wide berth and adhere strictly to the traffic pattern in the dark.

Proceed with particular caution when there is trash in the water after a rain.

Be extra alert to other shells and watch for all oncoming traffic, particularly near the dock where traffic is dense.

Fog

When fog rolls in, come back to the boat house. Make noise to alert others of your presence.

If fog becomes too dense before you can make it back, plan to follow the shore slowly back to the boathouse. Sit still, listen, row for a bit, sit still, listen again for other boats. If you are disoriented, sit still. Continue making noise.

Bright Sunlight

Wear a hat with a brim to shade your eyes, wear sunglasses.

Rain

Usually rain is not a problem. If it is cold, though, dress for it. Bring dry clothing for after practice.

Baltimore Rowing: Safety

The "Four Oars" Rule

Bow Certification