GLOUCESTER HEAD SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

All coaches, coxes, steersmen/women and crewmembers please read this carefully.

This event is being run in accordance with the ARA Water Safety Code and ARA Rules of Racing. It is the responsibility of each club and it’s members to ensure that the boats and equipment that they use in this race are safe (as advised by the above documents). A member of Control Commission will undertake spot checks.

All coxswains must wear an approved life jacket or buoyancy aid. Coxswains in front loading boats must wear a life jacket, which will not inflate or provide buoyancy until the wearer is clear of the boat.

ANY CREW FOUND WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RACE.

Crew Dress: Numbers must be worn by the bow person. Crews must wear uniform racing strip. Wrap up warm for the trip to the start as you may have a long wait. Crews arriving late at the start may have to wait until other crews have raced and may incur time penalties.

Coaches, please ensure that your crews are competent to race in the conditions on the day i.e. can cope with the weather, water and racing conditions pertaining. The Safety Adviser in consultation with the chief umpire reserves the right to deny permission to race to any crew, which is, in his/her opinion, not competent and may be a hazard to itself and other competitors. The Safety Adviser also reserves the right to deny permission to race if, in his/her opinion, weather conditions create an unacceptable hazard.

During the race the whole course will be in sight of one or more of a number of race monitors and umpires who are in radio communication with the Safety Adviser and Safety Boats. Should you be unfortunate enough to fall in or get into difficulties, please make every effort to get your boat to the side whilst awaiting arrival of the launch. Remember that your boat will float even when it capsizes and hypothermia is a real possibility at this time of year so HOLD ON TO YOUR BOAT & STAY WITH IT. Be prepared to shout warnings to oncoming crews.

The crew that is in front 100 metres before a bridge has priority. An umpire will be positioned to give direction. All competitors must comply with instructions/requests of race monitors and umpires. Failure to do so could risk lives and may lead to disqualification. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify or impose a time penalty on any crew causing interference to any racing crew. The race committee will adjudicate all penalties. They may after consultation, determine the finishing order of crews.

During the race and whilst going to the start there will be other Canal Traffic. The Rule of the canal is to keep to the right (looking forward). This must be adhered to even when overtaking and cutting bends. Do not go through opening/closing bridges and be courteous to other canal traffic and the public/fishermen.

FIRST AID IS AVAILABLE AT GLOUCESTER ROWING CLUB BOAT HOUSE AND A FIRST AID KIT IS LOCATED ON EACH SAFETY LAUNCH.