GLOUCESTER HEAD SAFETY PLAN

Police, Fire and Ambulance Services have been notified about the Event. They have been informed of trailer parking arrangements at Protyres, the course (including a map) and access to the canal/ towpath via Sellar’s Bridge (Pilot), Rea Bridge, Sim’s Bridge and the Gloucester Rowing Club Boat House. In the event that any of the Services are required a competent person will meet them at the designated access to direct them to the incident. It has been agreed that casualties would normally be transported back to the Club House wherever possible but only if deemed safe to do so. If spinal injuries are suspected then if possible the casualty should be left where they are and the Fire Service called so that they can be placed onto a spinal board. If the situation is deemed too dangerous for this to occur then every effort must be made to keep the casualty’s spine straight and still whilst a rescue is undertaken. This should preferably be undertaken by or under the supervision of the Emergency Services. (See incident procedure below)

Safety Instructions will be issued to all competitors, including a reminder that they must abide by the ARA Water Safety Code and Rules of Racing. A safety briefing will be given to coxswains, steersmen/women and launch drivers, prior to the start of racing.

Parking Marshals will be in place to help competitors navigate local roads and park trailers safely.

Landing stage marshals will be in place to supervise embarking and disembarking from boats. Safety spot checks will be carried out on boats and equipment before launching. Clubs and Coaches are responsible for ensuring that boats, lifejackets and other equipment are safe to use.

Marshals and ARA approved umpires will be in place along the course to ensure safe and fair racing. All parts of the course will be in sight of one marshal or umpire who will be in radio / mobile phone contact with the Safety Adviser and Safety Boats and have megaphones to communicate with all canal traffic. Emergency Services will be summoned by Mobile Phone if required.
 
Safety Boats will be situated at intervals along the course and in the marshalling area at the start. (Four in total) Safety boats will inspect the course and clear any debris before each division.

First Aid and Rescue kits will be located in each launch as well as in the Club House. Red Cross will be in attendance at the event and situated in the Club House.

Procedures in place in the event of an Incident

• If an incident occurs e.g. collision e.g. capsize, injury, person in water, the nearest Umpire/Race Monitor will take charge until the Safety Adviser or other member of the Race Committee arrives at the scene and takes charge.
• The person in charge will alert other Umpire/Monitors and Safety Boats, and advise whether racing should be stopped. Umpires/Monitors closer to the start of the race will warn/stop approaching crews as appropriate.
• The nearest Safety Boat should attend the incident; other Safety Boats should remain on station unless a second Safety Boat is called for.
• If the incident is serious and there is need to call the Emergency Services, racing must be stopped immediately. Safety Boats not involved in the incident must ensure that all other crews return to the Boathouse safely.

The person in charge will arrange for the Emergency Services to be called and agree the bridge at which they will access the canal towpath. The Umpire/Monitor on that bridge will be responsible for meeting the Emergency Services and directing them to the incident.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE: THE NEAREST IS LOCATED IN THE CLUB HOUSE HOWEVER MOST MARSHALLS AND SAFETY BOAT CREWS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH MOBILE PHONES.

Procedures in place to cancel the event in case of adverse/unsafe weather conditions:

If it is clear on Saturday 11th March that conditions will not be suitable to race on the Sunday, then a decision will be made at noon to cancel the event and clubs informed so that they do not travel unnecessarily.

If weather conditions are bad at 7.00am on Sunday morning, then the nominated organiser will consult other officials by phone and if they agree take the decision to cancel. Clubs will be contacted as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary travel.

In the event of inclement weather conditions before the start of a division, a safety boat shall travel the course and marshalling areas to assess conditions with at least two experienced members of the Organising Committee on board. They should review the wind and wave conditions and advise the Race Committee to take one of the following options

1. Cancel the event
2. Restrict racing to more experienced crews and/or large boat types
3. Allow racing to continue
4. Shorten the course and allow racing to continue.

The Race Committee (at a minimum the Chairman and Safety Advisor) will make a decision at least one hour before the start of a division.

If conditions deteriorate while boats are on the water, any marshals or safety boats may request racing be suspended/halted. They should convey the information to the starter, other marshals and safety boats. The safety Adviser (or their nominated deputy) will coordinate safety boat movement to ensure that all boats return safely to the boathouse.