Rock Ridge Crew Rowing Safety. Standard Operations Procedures. version 1 1

Transcription

1 Rock Ridge Crew Rowing Safety Standard Operations Procedures version 1 1 Page 1 of 40

2 CONTENTS Introduction General Safety Advisor Safety Documentation & Recordkeeping Insurance Policies Acknowledgement of Risk & Safety Procedures Physical Requirements Safety Rules Code of Safety Use of Launching Facilities and Equipment Safety Guidelines for Launching Area Safety Guidelines for Dock Area Safety Guidelines for On the Water Acceptable Launch Conditions Lightning Procedures Capsize Procedures and Man Overboard Detailed Information Local Code of Practice Personal Responsibilites General Rowers and Coxswains Coaches Safety Training Coaching Boat DRIVER training Page 2 of 40

3 Material to be Covered in Launch Driver Training Safe Rowing Equipment Oars and Shells Coaching Boats General Coaching Boat Requirements Low Light Conditions Personal Flotation Devices Coaching Boat Maintenance Coaching Boat Design Accident Log Appendix Hypothermia Early Hypothermia Profound Hypothermia Hyperthermia Heat cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke Hot Weather Safety Measures Drinking Water and Fluid Supply Warm Weather Personal Recommendations Additional Information Emergency Contact Numbers Guide to Calling Emergency Responders Page 3 of 40

4 VHF Radio Channels Coach Safety Launch Checklist Maps and Traffic Patterns Incident Report Form Equipment Damage Report Form References Page 4 of 40

5 Page 5 of 40

6 INTRODUCTION This manual establishes the rowing safety standards of operations procedures governing the conduct of the Rock Ridge Crew Club (RRCC) program, and all other programs sponsored or sanctioned by Rock Ridge Crew Club, or Rock Ridge Crew Boosters. As with any other sport, or physical activity, there are risks involved with participating in crew. Additional hazards present themselves, as it is conducted on the water. The safety rules and procedures in this manual are based on the 2006 FISA (International Rowing Federation) Minimum Guidelines for the Safe Practice of Rowing, the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA), and US Coast Guard Regulations. GENERAL It is the responsibility of all those involved with Rock Ridge Crew Club events: rowers, coxswains, coaches, parents, boosters, and spectators, to abide by the Rock Ridge Crew Club Safety Standards Operations Procedures manual. Failure to follow the Rock Ridge Crew Club safety policies will result in disciplinary action, and suspension of club privileges, at the discretion of the Rock Ridge Crew Club Board of Directors. Final interpretation and enforcement of RRCC safety policies will be at the discretion of the Head Coach and Safety Advisor. SAFETY ADVISOR Each year, at the last executive booster meeting, the team Safety Advisor will be engaged / designated by the Booster Executive Committee and Head Coach. It will be the duty of the Safety Advisor to ensure that the all members and guests of the Rock Ridge Crew Club are aware of the safety policies outlined in this manual. The Safety Advisor will conduct periodic inspections of the rowing facilities and equipment prior to and during the rowing season to ensure compliance with safety rules and procedures, and shall direct necessary corrective action is completed in a timely manner. The Safety Advisor will make recommendations to improve the safety of the program and the facility, and communicate them to Coaches, Rock Ridge Rowing Inc. and Boosters Executive Committee. SAFETY DOCUMENTATION & RECORDKEEPING INSURANCE POLICIES All participants must provide proof of health insurance prior to participating in RRCC sponsored activities each year. These records will be maintained by the Booster Secretary. Page 6 of 40

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK & SAFETY PROCEDURES All participants must read and sign an acknowledgement of risk form. All participants will be given access to the Rock Ridge Crew Club Safety Standard Operations and Procedures at the beginning of each season. Copies will be provide upon request. Each participant shall acknowledge access to, and examination of the Rock Ridge Crew Club Safety Standard Operations Procedures. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS All rowers and coxswains must pass the US Rowing Swim Test, and meet VASRA swimming proficiency standards prior to practicing on the water. Elements of the test include: Tread water for two consecutive minutes Swim 100 meters (no time limit) Don personal floatation device (PFD) while in water Swim 50 meters in light clothing The examiner must be the Head Coach or designated Assistant Coach of Rock Ridge Rowing Crew, and cannot be the athlete s parent. Certificates of completion of the swim test will be kept on file for as long as the athlete is a member of the club. The Booster Secretary will maintain documentation. Each participant shall have a current Virginal High School League (VHSL) physical examination, in accordance with Rock Ridge High School requirements for student athletes. This requirement applies to rowers in off season programs who do not attend Rock Ridge High School. Page 7 of 40

8 SAFETY RULES CODE OF SAFETY USE OF LAUNCHING FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT Use of launching facilities and equipment shall be restricted to members of the following groups, under the supervision of a coach: The Rock Ridge Crew Club during the spring rowing season Other youth or adult rowing programs sanctioned by Rock Ridge Crew Club Boosters, such as the Loudoun Rowing Association, fall crew, summer crew, and winter conditioning. No one else is authorized to use the launch facilities without express permission of one of the Rock Ridge Crew Club coaches, or an officer of the Rock Ridge Crew Club Boosters. A dock master, assistant coach, or equivalent shall be on land during program hours to provide supervision of athletes not on the water. Rock Ridge Crew Club will provide and maintain first aid kits at the launch facilities and land training sites. Safety equipment, such as thermal blankets and exposure bags, life rings or buoys, a rope line, and personal flotation devices (PFD) will also be furnished by Rock Ridge Crew Club. The Safety Officer, or Operations Committee shall take inventory of first aid and safety equipment, and ensure that they are replenished as necessary. Rock Ridge Crew Club will provide approved gasoline containers, and gas storage lockers for the storage of gasoline, when not in use in a launch. Coaching staff is responsible for ensuring that gas containers are returned to the storage cabinet after each use. Fire extinguishers shall also be provided and maintained by the Rock Ridge Crew Club. Rock Ridge Crew shall provide a safety bulletin at all launch sites that shall be maintained for emergency information including, but not limited to: Safe Rowing Equipment Boathouse Rules Local Code of Practice and navigation rules Rowers, scullers, coaches and coxswains responsibilities Emergency rules/ Capsize and Accident Drills Coaching boats and safety boats Page 8 of 40

9 Safety at Regattas Log book for unsupervised rowers Visual aids on; water safety, lifesaving, hypothermia, hyperthermia, resuscitation procedures Telephone number list, to include Doctor/Ambulance/Police Fire Department Local hospital casualty department It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to ensure that information on the bulletin is accurate, and up to date. SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR LAUNCHING AREA All participants and guests must be alert at all times, especially when boats and oars are being moved in or out of the bays. When moving a boat, all hands must listen to the responsible coxswain, and respond quickly to commands. It is prohibited to step over a boat; the safe alternative is to step around it. All participants and guests will exercise care and caution when removing or replacing oars. When lifting heavy objects, it is advised to lift using the legs, instead of the back. Boats should be stored stern first in the boat racks. SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR DOCK AREA Running and joking around are prohibited. Swimming or throwing coxswains is NOT allowed. Page 9 of 40

10 It is prohibited to attempt to retrieve anything dropped in the water that cannot be reached from the land or dock. The dock will be slippery when wet. All persons on the dock must exercise care and caution, and be cognizant of their surroundings at all times. Oars are to be carried with the blades in front of the person carrying them. Oars will be stacked out of the way of the dock. When carrying a boat, all members of the crew, the coxswain in particular, must watch out for oars on the dock. It is prohibited to step through a rigger when getting into, or out of a boat. The dock must be kept clear at all times. All crews will take the minimum amount of time required to dock and launch their boats. Crews landing on the dock have priority over crews waiting to launch, especially in inclement weather. Landing shells should use all available dock space, not just the very end. All coaches and crews must walk their boat up the dock if an incoming crew needs more dock space. Only dock masters, coaches, and coxswains have authority on the dock. SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ON THE WATER Each boat (coach or athlete) is responsible for watching where it is going, and for avoiding collisions. Once crews have been launched, they should row to and remain at a meeting point specified by their coach. Meeting points should not be more than 500m away from the dock. High school crews should not warm up without coach supervision. Page 10 of 40

11 Coaches should avoid taking crews of differing speeds and skill levels. Coaches should limit the distance across all crews to 3 abreast. Slow moving crews should yield to faster crews by shifting their course further to the right. Larger shells have right of way due to their reduced maneuverability. Coaches who wish to stop and work with crews should do so only in areas where they are not impeding water traffic. Boats should not turn upstream from bridges unless they are at least 500m away. Swift currents can pull shells into bridge abutments very quickly. Boats intending to turn should first make sure that no other crew is approaching. Cutting off other crews is strictly prohibited. Boats should first cross the river or lake before turning around, and proceeding in the opposite direction. ACCEPTABLE LAUNCH CONDITIONS It is very important to consider all weather and climate conditions before practicing on the water. When deciding whether or not to go out, weather forecasts for launch time, on water time, and docking time should be checked. Some resources include: windfinder.com (Leesburg Executive Airport) Windfinder Phone App NOAA radio stations and weather reports (Sterling, VA) NOAA hydrologic prediction service o downstream of Algonkian Park (Little Falls) o upstream of Algonkian Park (Edward s Ferry) Crews cannot launch if one or more of the following conditions are met: It is after dusk It is before sunrise, and the water temperature is below 50 F (10 C) Page 11 of 40

12 Air temperature is below 35 F Air temperature is at or above 89.6 F are expected Wind speed is higher than 9 mph A strong current is present (typically 1 3 days after rainfall) Water levels are at, or approaching flood stages (within 4 ft) Whitecap waves are present Storm clouds are present, or approaching Heavy rain Dense fog Lightning or thunder reported in the area LIGHTNING PROCEDURES At the first sound of thunder, sign of lightning, or heavy fog, all shells and coaching boats must proceed as quickly as possible to the docking area, and clear the dock for other boats to return. If caught in a sudden storm, boats shall be taken ashore to the nearest safe point and wait for the storm to pass. Boats may return to the water 30 minutes after thunder is last heard or lightning is last seen. Those in the launching area should seek shelter in a nearby building, or vehicle. Spectators in grandstands should seek shelter in indoor restrooms, or dense woods. Areas to avoid include: The river/lake Elevated areas Areas under overhead wires and power lines Small shelters Isolated trees CAPSIZE PROCEDURES AND MAN OVERBOARD It is the responsibility of any coaching boat to provide assistance to any capsized boats even if from another sport, or a pleasure boat. The responding craft will approach with caution, and in a controlled manner. Special attention will be paid to the propeller. All crew members should be fully aware of what actions to take when a crew swamps, flips, or capsizes. In any of these events, the crew should remain with the shell. The shell will float (an important reason to close bow and stern ports before going on the water). Furthermore, the oars will act as floatation devices. EMERGENCY CAPSIZE PROCEDURES a) If the shell becomes swamped, the coxswain will immediately issue the command to weigh enough. b) Coaches should calm the rowers, assuring them that the boat has flotation and will not sink. c) Issue life vests. d) Call fellow coaches for help. e) Have the rowers extend their oars as best they can, perpendicular from the hull, to set the boat. Page 12 of 40

13 f) Approach the shell carefully between seats 3 and 5 or 4 and 6, and take out the middle four and take them to shore if no other launch is available to assist. g) Return to the swamped shell and take out the stern pair and cox, then the bow pair, and take them to shore. h) Coaches should not abandon their own crews to assist another coach with a rescue. Crews will be instructed to row to the emergency scene, and stand by, or return to the dock, and then proceed to help. Care will be taken to not over load the launch. i) If rescue is not imminent, the coxswain will direct the rowers to untie, and to exit the shell by pairs, starting with 3 and 2 seat in fours or quads, or with 4 and 5 seat in eights. The coxswain will group with the stroke pair. Do not leave the floating boat; swim the boat the shore if possible. j) If for some reason, the shell sinks below the surface, the shell should be rolled so the bottom is facing the sky, as this traps air underneath the shell and increases buoyancy. At no time should any crew member leave the boat to swim to shore. A short swim can be far longer than it appears due to currents, wind, water temperature, or personal fatigue. MAN OVERBOARD PROCEDURES a) The coxswain will immediately issue the command to weigh enough. If the coxswain does not see the incident, a rower should make the call. b) The coach should stop the practice with a pre determined signal and steer to the victim. Remember that the victim may be dazed, and not react rationally. c) Toss the victim a life vest. d) Approach the victim from downwind/down current as minimum speed. e) Shut the motor off. f) Reach out to the victim with a hand, paddle or throwing line. Do not get into the water unless there is no alternative. g) Have the victim grab the gunwale of the launch, and move to the stern. h) Pull the victim into the launch over the transom. i) Dress the victim in warm, dry clothes if possible. Return the victim to the shell or take to shore, depending on the victim s physical condition. DETAILED INFORMATION LOCAL CODE OF PRACTICE Since Rock Ridge Crew Club launches from different sites, a local code of practice for each launch site will be prepared and clearly displayed at each launch site. The local codes of practice will emphasize that safety is paramount, and should include a plan of the local water, drawing attention to local navigation rules, and hazards and restrictions to water use. Attention should also be drawn to any variation in normal procedures that may be necessary due to the state of the tide or stream, high winds, or other climatic conditions. Page 13 of 40

14 These materials shall be prepared and maintained by the Head Coach and reviewed by the Safety Advisor. Rowing activities should be coordinated with those of other local water users to minimize conflicts of interest, and the possibility of creating additional water hazards. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES GENERAL All rowers and coxswains, should receive proper instruction in watermanship and technique, including capsize drills, from a qualified coach. No one should put him or herself or others at risk when on the water. This applies particularly to beginners and to juniors. Athletes will be encouraged to become fully aware of life saving and resuscitation procedures by attending training courses. ROWERS AND COXSWAINS Any rower or coxswain going out on the water will be responsible for abiding by all local rules, regulations, and traffic patterns. They should be in good health, and property attired for the present and potential conditions. Coaches and coxswains should be informed of any rowers or coxswains with medical conditions, such as asthma, severe allergies, epilepsy, or heart conditions. Emergency items such as inhalers, glucose gels, and Epi Pens should be taken into the boat with the rowers. Rowers and coxswains who need inhalers need to have them immediately available from their seat in the boat. COACHES Coaches are responsible for those under their authority, and should ensure that they are informed of, and abide by, safety procedures. They will evaluate environmental conditions, and determine if it is safe for rowers to go out on the water. It is the responsibility of the coaches to ensure that all crews are off the water before nightfall. Coaches will be aware of rowers and coxswains with medical conditions that require special emergency supplies, or attention. Page 14 of 40

15 Final decisions on launching are up to the discretion of the Head Coach, or most senior coach present. SAFETY TRAINING All coaches, shall complete safety training and certifications required by Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association. Additional requirements recommended by the Safety Advisor should be pursued as part of continuing professional education. Coaches may apply for reimbursement of costs. Documentation shall be maintained by the Booster Secretary. Copies of certifications shall be available at the launch facility. Coaches shall conduct a safety briefing for all rowers and coxswains at the beginning of each season, including the US Rowing safety video. Topics will include: Safety rules and procedures Rescue procedures in the water, including practice in donning a personal flotation device. Recognition of unsafe water conditions Proper navigation rules and boat handling (coxswains) Safe handling of boats, oars, and launches on land Hypothermia Coxswain training shall be conducted at the start of the season, and periodically as necessary throughout the season. This training may include: Recognition of dangerous water and weather conditions Safe navigation, including hazards on the Potomac and Occoquan, commercial and sport boat traffic, submerged hazards and floating objects Recognition of landmarks useful in reporting one s position on the Potomac Traffic patterns for crews at Rock Ridge Crew Club launch sites, and traffic patterns and regulations for other water sport organizations Emergency rescue procedures Emergency communications See Additional Information for maps and traffic patterns. COACHING BOAT DRIVER TRAINING Rock Ridge Crew Club shall ensure that an experienced driver goes out with a new driver until he or she has shown that he is fully in control of the launch. No launch driver under the age of 21 is permitted to be on the water without a supervisor over the age of 21. Launch driver training is to be coordinated by the Coaching staff and the Booster Operations Committee. Page 15 of 40

16 MATERIAL TO BE COVERED IN LAUNCH DRIVER TRAINING 1. Initial launch preparations: Are all conditions on the Coach Safety Launch Checklist met? (See: Additional Information) Can the motor be flipped up (trimmed up)? How? 2. How to properly start and restart a motor. Include the use of the choke, the primer bulb, and the location, attachment, and purpose of the kill switch cord. How to check the fuel level. 3. How the throttle works. How to find neutral before shifting. How the transmission is shifted. How to steer the boat. 4. How to land at and depart from a dock. 5. Plenty of time driving the launch under various conditions so that they have a feel for how the launches handle. 6. Personal preparation: Layered clothing: Consider temperature on the water vs. land. No red clothing. Be ready for forecasted conditions) Food and water Seat cushion. 7. Wake awareness and why it is important: The manner in which coaching boats are driven may create unnecessary problems for other water users. Excessive washes and waves create difficult rowing conditions and can cause accidents to smaller boats. Thoughtless driving often causes damage to moored boats and to riverbanks. To use coaching boats for coaching, rescue and other purposes all on the same water, requires drivers to be fully aware of the effect of the wake they cause, and the risk that emergency assistance cannot take place because their manner of driving their boat has made the water unusable. 8. Basic orientation and traffic pattern on the river. On the Occoquan: Prince William vs. Fairfax sides. On the Potomac: DC vs. Virginia sides, Virginia vs. Maryland sides. On the Anacostia: DC vs. Anacostia sides (See: Additional Information) 9. Proper etiquette around the shells, and the races. How close can they get, speed, etc. 10. How to properly approach a capsized shell or rower in the water. 11. Basic familiarization of the various regatta launch driver jobs, to increase the efficiency of regatta volunteer coordination. 12. What launch drivers should expect if driving a referee during a regatta. (Brief overview) 13. Launch drivers should be reminded that they must have evidence of the successful completion of an approved boating safety course in order to sign up and drive at any of the sites in the District of Columbia (e.g. Potomac; Anacostia). 14. Examples of such a course include the Boat U.S. course at www. boatus.org.other courses must be deemed satisfactory by the Montgomery County Swift Water Rescue. Note that evidence of completion, normally a license, must be provided when reporting as a launch driver volunteer at these sites. Page 16 of 40

17 SAFE ROWING EQUIPMENT OARS AND SHELLS Rowing equipment should be maintained in good working order. Particular attention must be paid to the following: o Every boat must have a firmly attached ball of not less than 4 cm (1.5 inches) diameter on its bow. Where the construction or nature of the boat is such that the bow is properly protected or its shape does not represent a hazard then this requirement need not apply. o Heel restraints and quick release mechanisms must be in proper and effective working order in all boats equipped with fitted shoes. These restraints should not allow the heel to lift more than 5cm (2 inches). o For rowing in reduced daylight, boats shall be fitted with lights as required by the local and national waterway authorities. A white light will be fitted onto the stern, or may be a headlight worn by the coxswain or stroke seat. A red and green light will be fitted on to the bow; red indicating the port side of the boat, and green indicating the starboard side. o All oars and sculls should be checked to ensure that buttons/collars are secure and properly set. o Bow and stern compartments should function as individual buoyancy compartments, and must be checked to ensure that they will function as intended. Coxswains will open bow and stern caps to drain any water in the boat before setting it in racks. Coxswains will replace bow and stern caps before leaving the boathouse or boat racks. o Boats should meet minimum flotation requirements: When full of water a boat with the crew seated in the rowing position should float in such a way that the top of the seat is a maximum of 5 cm (2 inches) below the static waterline. Older boats not designed to meet this requirement may use inflatable buoyancy bags, foam blocks or other materials. COACHING BOATS GENERAL The presence of a coaching boat gives far better safety protection to a crew than a coach on a bicycle on the land. The coach must drive safely, always consider the safety of those on board, and consider the effect upon other water users. Boats shall stay within 500m of a coaching boat at all times, regardless of conditions. When the combined air and water temperature is under 100 F, launches must be within 35m of all shells, with no more than 2 shells per launch. Singles and double shells not accompanied by a launch must row in pairs. Page 17 of 40

18 COACHING BOAT REQUIREMENTS All coaching and safety boats should carry the following safety aids: A bailer and, for inflatable rubber dinghies. a suitable pump and a spare valve A horn or similar warning device, capable of attracting attention over a distance of at least 200 meters (217 yards). A grab line at least 15 meters (16 yards) long with a large knot tied in one end to assist throwing. Ideally a purpose made rescue/heaving line throw bag. Thermal/exposure blankets to reduce wind chill and counteract hypothermia. Make use of proprietary items, but not woolen blankets that only absorb moisture and do not then retain heat. In the absence of recognized equipment, a polythene sheet cut to the size of a commercially available exposure bag will provide the necessary level of heat retention until proper treatment can begin. Life buoys/life jackets. These are essential when several people are in the water and the launch can attend to only one at a time. (9 for eights, 5 for coxed fours, 4 for quads etc.) A basic first aid kit (list contents, and check regularly as before). A sharp knife with carrying sheath. A paddle. Simple handholds fixed to the side of a launch to give help to any person being rescued, and provide self help should the driver fall overboard. Engine Cutout/kill switch lanyard device, to be worn at all times. An anchor and a line. LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS When it is necessary for outings to take place in the dark, or in poor visibility, the coaching boat must carry a waterproof flashlight and signaling system as a means of signaling for assistance. The boat must be fitted with lights as required by local/national authorities. PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES It is advisable that buoyancy aids or PFD s be worn at all times by all on board a coaching boat, and are essential when going out to sea or on very wide stretches of water. PFD s that depend on oral inflation should be worn partly inflated; those that have auto inflation must be checked at intervals suggested by the manufacturers by the Safety Advisor. Page 18 of 40

19 COACHING BOAT MAINTENANCE A tool/spare parts box should be kept dry and checked regularly (an extra can of pre mixed fuel is also a vital spare). Every time the boat is used, check that the engine is securely fixed to the hull and that the secondary safety fixing exists and is properly effective. If not, report the defect to the Safety Advisor, or Operations Committee. The Operations Committee and Safety Advisor are responsible for maintaining fuel supply and tool bags. COACHING BOAT DESIGN Choice of a coaching boat, its hull size, and its shape, must be matched to an engine suitable for the work it is to undertake and the load to be carried. In particular, boats to be used for coaching on rivers or enclosed waters, must be of a design which will enable a launch to accompany a crew rowing at speed without creating a wash that makes the water unusable or unsafe for everyone else, or causes damage to banks or installations. 16 foot launches are suggested. V hull, or skiff style (Carolina Skiff) are recommended. Aluminum john boats are not recommended because of their instability with several passengers and less than stellar poor weather performance. Occupants of a coaches launch should be kept to a minimum. One or two extra people in addition to one coach should be the maximum for a safety launch (14 ). Launches should preferably be large enough to hold all members of a given crew in the event of an emergency. Operators of launches should have an uninterrupted 360 view at all times. Use of heavy ballast in the bow of the launch (log, tire with rim, cinder blocks, passenger, etc.) can be used to trim the launch so it rides level. Aftermarket outboard motor accessories, such as Dole Fins also work well for this purpose. There should be a minimum of one coaches launch for every 3, 8 s in a given practice. Each launch should be marked to indicate that it is property of the Rock Ridge Crew Club, and have clearly visible registration numbers, current year decals, and a maximum capacity rating. Page 19 of 40

20 ACCIDENT LOG There shall be a required reporting protocol for all non trivial accidents to the Safety Advisor, or higher authority. This information should be passed on to the regional, or national authorities for a comprehensive overview of safety in the sport. An accident log is to be available at all launch and practice sites. The log will be available for inspection at all times, giving time, place and nature of accident, injuries/damages sustained and names and addresses of witnesses. It is the responsibility of the Safety Advisor to maintain the log and reporting protocol, as well as to report all non trivial accidents to the appropriate higher authority. See Additional Information for sample forms. APPENDIX HYPOTHERMIA When the water temperature is at 10 C (50 F), or below, or when the environmental conditions warrant, special safety precautions should be considered. Hypothermia occurs when the whole of the body has been chilled to a much lower than normal temperature, i.e. below 35 C (95 F). Cold temperatures and wet conditions work together to pull heat away from the body lowering the body s core temperature. Even in mild conditions, rain or submersion in cold water can sufficiently reduce body warmth to trigger hypothermic conditions in the body. A victim s condition can degrade rapidly; impaired breathing and coordination make it nearly impossible to swim, or keep one s head above water. Emergency action needs to be taken no matter what the level of hypothermia. EARLY HYPOTHERMIA Symptoms: rapid shivering, numbness, loss of strength and coordination, semi consciousness Action: Maintain open airway. Transfer to a warm environment as soon as possible. Remove wet clothing. Use blankets to help warm individual or if available a warm shower. Warm torso area first. Seek medical attention Page 20 of 40

21 PROFOUND HYPOTHERMIA Symptoms: pallor, stiffness, cold to the touch, unresponsiveness, unconsciousness. Little or no cardiac or respiratory activity will be present. Action: Move or manipulate as gently as possible. Prevent further heat loss, but Do Not attempt to rewarm. Maintain open airway, and activate EMS procedures. Call for emergency help immediately. HYPERTHERMIA Higher temperatures and high humidity can lead to heat related illnesses that coaches and rowers need to keep in mind. As humidity rises, extent of evaporation is diminished, impairing the body s ability to cool off through sweating. The best way to avoid heat related injuries is to practice at cooler times of the day: early morning or late afternoon. Intake of fluids is also key and should be encouraged. Dehydration further impairs the body s ability to cool off. HEAT CRAMPS Symptoms: painful muscle spasms, hyperventilation, sweating, normal body temperature Action: provide commercially available electrolyte drink, massage affected muscle. If cramps do no respond to these measure, the victim should be transported to a hospital for intravenous fluids, and possible muscle relaxing medication. HEAT EXHAUSTION Early Symptoms: heavy sweating, cramps, tiredness, weakness, malaise, mild decrease in performance. Action: rest and fluid replacement. Page 21 of 40

22 Advanced Symptoms: profuse sweating, uncoordinated muscle movement, impaired judgment, and emotional changes. Action: move the victim to a cool area, apply cool towels to stomach or back. Provide an electrolyte drink to aid rehydration, and call for medical attention. Victims of heat exhaustion should avoid activity for at least 24 hours following the condition, and be sure to drink adequate amounts of fluids during that time, in order to be cleared to return to practice. HEAT STROKE Symptoms: confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures. The victim loses consciousness. Body temperature rises as high as 106. Skin is dry and clammy. Action: Get medical help immediately. Lower body temp by immersing in water, maintain horizontal position of victim. Stop treatment when victim is conscious. WARM WEATHER SAFETY MEASURES DRINKING WATER AND FLUID SUPPLY At regattas in warm months, RRCC Boosters will provide athletes access to drinking water. The total amount of water provided should be at least 2 liter (2 quarts) per day, when dry air temperatures exceed 89.6 F, an additional 1 liter per day should be provided. 1 liter (1 quart) can be provided at the meals. WARM WEATHER PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS The base fluid need of athletes is 2 liters per day and increases with exercise time (1 liter / hour) and air temperatures (1 liter per 5 C (9 F) temperature increase above 25 C (77 F)). It is the responsibility of each athlete to stay properly hydrated, or to alert a coach or coxswain that they are in need of more water. Remain in a shady area, if possible. Page 22 of 40

23 Athletes in direct sunlight should wear hats which should be wetted with water. Clothing should be made with fabrics that minimize heat storage and enhance sweat evaporation. Light colored, loose fitting clothes, made of natural fibers, or composite fabrics, and with high absorption properties that provide for adequate ventilation are recommended. Use of UV sunblock will decrease radiation damage of the skin and reflect also radiation. This decreases thermal load. Lying down after races in warm environments may have negative effects on circulation and may provoke collapses. Rowers are advised to cool themselves with water after the races. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS Upper Potomac o Algonkian Regional Park: (703) ext. 102 o Reston Hospital Center main number: (703) o Loudoun Hospital Center ER Lansdowne Adults: (703) o Loudoun Hospital Center ER Lansdowne Pediatrics: (703) o StoneSpring Emergency Center Brambleton: (703) Occoquan o Sandy Run Park office: (703) o Fountainhead Park office: (703) o Pohick Bay Park office: (703) o Bull Run Park office: (703) Lower Potomac/National Harbor area o Thompson Boat Center: (202) o Potomac Boat Club: (202) o US Park Police: (202) or (202) o GW University Hospital ER: (202) o Georgetown University Hospital ER: (202) o National Harbor Patrol: (202) GUIDE TO CALLING EMERGENCY RESPONDERS 1. Provide immediate First Aid to the victim. 2. Dial 911. Page 23 of 40

24 3. Say... My name is. 4. Say I need paramedics at [state launch site]. 5. Describe the nature of the injury and condition of the victim. Include what kind (if any) First Aid treatment being provided. 6. Say My exact address is [addresses for launch sites will be on emergency bulletin provided by the Safety Advisor] 7. Give a meeting point: your current location, or if the victim can be moved, the park office or other location that can be easily and quickly accessed by emergency vehicles. 8. Say I am calling from [give your phone number]. 9. ALWAYS let the operator to hang up first. 10. Go to the meeting point, and wait for the ambulance. VHF RADIO CHANNELS During the high school rowing season, many of the teams on the Potomac use VHF radios to communicate. In an emergency, other schools can be contacted for assistance. Below are the marine band radio channels that some of the area high school teams monitor when they are on the water, and other emergency channels. By Coast Guard rules, only channels 68 72, and 78 are used for general communication. Organization Channel Organization Channel Commercial traffic 13 Universal Emergency 16 Harbor Patrol 17 Coast Guard 22 School Channel School Channel Page 24 of 40

25 Holton Arms 72 STA/NCS 68 Yorktown 71 Walt Whitman 88 Wilson 73 Washington Lee 69 COACH SAFETY LAUNCH CHECKLIST Check weather report Know travel patterns of other coaches In the launch: Lifejackets one per rower and spares Throwable PFD Everyone in the launch wears a lifejacket Anchor Radio or cell phone Paddle Rope Megaphone Safety stop switch lanyard attached Coxswains: Coxswains wearing PFD Coxswains carrying whistle Page 25 of 40

26 Coxswains carrying 911 emergency cell phone or radio MAPS AND TRAFFIC PATTERNS Sandy Run Park Pohick Bay Park Page 26 of 40

27 Bull Run Marina Park Page 27 of 40

28 Algonkian Park Page 28 of 40

29 Lower Potomac/National Harbor Page 29 of 40

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31 INCIDENT REPORT FORM Page 31 of 40

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38 EQUIPMENT DAMAGE REPORT FORM Below is a sample report form. Full forms can be found in a separate pdf. file. Page 38 of 40

39 REFERENCES Kingston Rowing Club. (2015, January 22). Safety, Rules & Policies. Retrieved from T.C. Williams Crew Team. (2015, January 22). Alexandria Schools Rowing Facility Crew Safety Guide. Retrieved from T.C. Williams High School Crew. (2015, January 21). Safety Manual for TC Williams High School Crew. Retrieved from Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association (VASRA). (2015, January 22). Key Documents. Retrieved from pdf World Rowing Association (FISA). (2015, January 22). FISA Minimum Requirements for the Safe Practice of Rowing. Retrieved from usrowing.org : Page 39 of 40

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