We take safety seriously so we can have fun and keep coming back for more.
Equipment
Lifejackets– We have enough lifejackets, manual and automatic, for rowers, cox and those helping with the launch and retrieval of the skiff. We also have some buoyancy aids for beach, and harbour supporters.
Everyone on the skiff must wear a properly adjusted working lifejacket.
Beach support must wear a buoyancy aid as minimum when launching or retrieving the skiff.
Radios and Phones– We have radios, and Personal Licence Holders for emergency radio use.
Anyone taking their mobile phone out on the water needs to have their own floating dry bag or something similar to store it in. It is incredibly depressing to lose a precious phone to saltwater damage.
Signing In- We ask everyone who comes out in a skiff with us to sign in to the session. When participants sign in, they include a point of contact for emergencies, and a telephone number. Signing in means that the designated worrier knows who is out on the water.
PVG – We have PVG registered club members including trustees, but not all club coxes and rowing leaders have PVG registration. If anyone has any concerns about activities supervision, or PVG concerns, please contact the club Secretary via wigtownbaycoastalrowing@gmail.com.
We take under 16 youngsters out in the skiff, with parental consent and with supporting adult present either on the shore or in the skiff.
Designated Worriers
A key role in safety, despite its tongue in cheek name, is able to be carried out by anyone local to the launch point. The ‘designated worrier’ is vital for the longer training sessions or team skiff bookings. They don’t need to be able to row or want to go on the water. Their skills are communication, and level headedness. Any training needed for this role can be provided through the club.
They are the shore point of contact for those in the skiff, and hold all the contact details for the rowers and cox.
They are the first person family members can contact if, for any reason – off gallivanting- the skiff is not back at the expected time.
Any member who thinks they would like to be a ‘Designated Worrier’ please contact club trustees on wigtownbaycoastalrowing@gmail.com
What to wear?
Clothing suitable for the conditions is really important.
- Comfy loose or stretchy clothing that allows full movement.
- Wear layers in cold weather, and a hat – watch out for the wind, so something unlikely to blow off.
- Wear sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen in good weather, and waterproofs in the rain.
- When we are rowing we warm up quickly, but can cool down equally quickly. Have a layer you can pop on after rowing, so you don’t cool down too fast.
- Your lifejacket will be worn over any clothing
- Safe footwear suitable for the conditions is vital.
- If rowing for fun, wellies can be just as good as any other footwear; or old trainers you don’t mind getting soaked in sea water.
- Wet shoes are great if you have them, especially with a pair of socks inside. Wet feet can get cold.
- Bare feet is not recommended, in case we have to stop anywhere. We routinely launch off the slipway at the Isle, but we may need to land on stony or sandy beaches.
If you have any questions about our safety protocols please contact us via wigtownbaycoastalrowing@gmail.com