Safety Procedures For Coaches

Emergency Safety Procedures For Coaches

LOCATION:
Corte Madera Creek
Larkspur Ferry Channel
Point San Quentin

  • Put on a lifejacket.
  • Never leave capsized rowers.
  • See the rowers to shore or to the dock, whichever is safest at the time.
  • There are emergency blankets in the launch.

    If your launch has broken down:

  • Check that the gas tank top is loose.
  • Check the gas line connections.
  • Jiggle the throttle to make sure it is in neutral.
  • The engine may be flooded. Choke the engine by keeping the key choke button pushed in and turning over the engine. Keep the warm-up lever down during this process. Let the engine rest for 5’ minutes and try again.
  • If you are the only launch on the water, do not let your crew leave you. They can tow you in if necessary.
  • Call for help. See Emergency Phone sheet.

    Paddle your way:

  • Out of the channel towards the shallows and anchor.
  • To a channel marker and tie up loosely.
  • Throw down your anchor if rescue is not close-by. The anchors are not long enough to drop in the ferry channel.

    If your crew or the launch swamps:

  • Don’t panic. The boat will not sink unless it has a hole in the bow or stern.
  • Have the crew bail as much water as possible out of the boat.
  • They can row home, slowly, with the boat filled with water.
  • There are emergency blankets in the launch.
  • Call for help.

    If your crew flips or the boat is sinking:

  • Get the crew out of the water and onto the launch. Distributing the rowers evenly throughout the launch.
  • Have athletes huddle together to stay warm. There are emergency blankets in the launch.
  • Call for help.
  • Slowly drive launch to shore or the boathouse, whichever is safest at the time.

    If your launch flips or the boat is sinking:

  • Put on a life jacket.
  • Throw down the anchor.
  • Call for help.
  • Get out of the water and onto the launch.
  • Use a whistle to attract attention, try to be seen by waving your arms.
  • Stay with the launch as long as possible.
  • Swim to shore ONLY IF you have a life jacket on AND the launch has sunk.

    The Marin Rowing Association
    http://www.marinrowing.org/staticpages/index.php/safetyforcoaches