Wanaka Rowing Club Safety Management Plan

All rowers must complete a membership application form agreeing to and understanding these club safety rules at the beginning of each season/membership year.

1. Novice and junior (Under 18) crews are not permitted on the water unaccompanied at any time and in line with Rowing NZ recommendations the ratio of safety boats to crews shall be 1 safety boat: 3 crews.
2. Single scullers are not permitted to go afloat unaccompanied in the dark.
3. No crews are permitted to go afloat in fog conditions
4. Before going afloat the coach or crew must check that all skiffs and blades are in a fit state. Please check rigging nuts, bow balls, heel restraints, easy release shoe, all hatch covers in place, any hull damage and that blade adjusting nuts are tight.
5. All coaches  and crews must check that all rowers and coxswains are equipped with suitable clothing for conditions
6. Before going afloat all crews must complete the intentions log book
7. All rowers and coxswains must be able to swim 50 metres in light clothing
8. All coaches, and all unaccompanied rowing crews, must carry a mobile phone in a waterproof bag in case of emergency. 
9. Lifejackets must be worn by all persons in coaching boats and buoyancy vests by all coxswains. In addition sufficient PFDs must be carried in the coaching boat (for the largest rowing skiff afloat) and to meet with the recommendations of the harbour master all singles and doubles regardless of whether accompanied or not must carry a PFD in the boat. 
10. It is recommended that unaccompanied crews keep within 200 metres of the shore at all times and carry their own PFDs in the boat.
11. Coach boats must carry basic safety equipment – buoyancy aids as above, throw line, first aid kit, 8 foil blankets, basic toolkit, anchor, sharp knife, paddle, whistle or sound signalling device, torch,  towing line, kill switch, bailer, fire extinguisher. and sufficient fuel.
12. To comply with recent changes by Rowing Otago during dawn and dusk training, all skiffs must show a red flashing light on the bow and a white flashing light on the stern.
13. All crews are to follow the standard circulation pattern as directed by coaches and shown on the map on the noticeboard in the shed – generally to and from Ruby Island in a clockwise direction, or around the lakefront in a clockwise direction in southerly conditions.

Hazards to look out for:

• Weather and wind changes can occur very quickly on Lake Wanaka. If in doubt don’t go afloat.
• Rocks and submerged trees if operating close to shore – be aware of the line of low lying rocks in line with the big rock approx 1000m from the lakefront.
• Shallows when lake level is low – remember fragility of the boat and rudder, prop of coach boat.
• Other lake users – give way to swimmers, sailors, wind and kite surfers
• Be aware of wash effects from motor boats, skiers etc – try to keep clear

Boat Cleaning and Incident Reporting:

All boats and equipment must be wiped down and checked for damage after each outing. Any boat/equipment damage must  be noted in the maintenance log to be repaired or quarantined.

Any health and safety incident (e.g. capsize, collision, trip, falls  and major damage) must be reported to the Coach or  Club Captain as soon as possible and logged in the incident log. For any major incident a full  incident report sheet  needs to be completed.  This sheet is to be given to the Safety Officer as soon as possible and then forwarded to NZ Rowing and/or the Harbour Master.