DRAGON BOAT CHARLESTON (DBC) SAFETY GUIDELINES

Dragon Boat Charleston Safety Policy: DRAGON BOAT CHARLESTON (DBC) SAFETY GUIDELINES Dragon boat Charleston has adopted the United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) and by reference the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Safety Guidelines in accordance with Club Insurance requirements. The following documents have been reviewed and are incorporated into this safety policy, with exception of very specific references to IDBF events. Where applicable, guidelines were modified to meet Charleston water conditions and climate. IDBF Water Safety Policy (1/4/04) IDBF Event and Safety Procedures (1/07) Safety Addendum for Insurance (12/6/09) As part of developing this Safety Policy, Dragon Boat Charleston has appointed a Safety Officer with assistance from a Safety Committee, (made up of membership). The Safety Officer has the authority to suspend any water activities if deemed necessary. In the absence of the Safety Officer, the practice steersperson is delegated authority to suspend water activities. All paddlers have responsibility for assessing their capabilities in paddling in any given event. The Safety Officer is responsible for making safety policy notification and presentation at the annual General Membership Meeting. The Safety Officer and Committee will review incident reports and modify the Guidelines, as determined necessary. A safety poster is posted near the dock boxes. Paddler logs are maintained based on sign up on club website. Safety Waivers are maintained with the Executive Director. Staff and Volunteer Experience DBC works to provide training and experienced persons for Coach-Caller, steering and calling practices. Training includes but is not limited to review of safety guidelines, dragon boat experience, comfort on the water, mentored steering and launch operation. Dragon Boat Charleston Board of Directors Acknowledgement As the President of DBC, I certify that the Club has a designated Safety Officer who has read and understands the IDBF Safety Guidelines as they relate to the sport of dragon boating in the United States as well as the additional USDBF-adopted guidelines outlined in the Safety Addendum. Dragon Boat Charleston agrees to abide by these safety guidelines for all club activities including practice sessions and club sponsored events and festivals. The Safety Officer of Dragon Boat Charleston will ensure that all club members including Coach-Callers, drummers, Steerspersons, Safety Boat drivers, club officers and executive members are familiar with these safety guidelines. The Safety Officer for the Dragon Boat Charleston sponsored Festival will ensure that all paddlers, drummers, Steerspersons, Safety Boat drivers, and key members of the festival front-line workers, including all volunteers are familiar with these safety guidelines. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page i

Supplemental information for Festival Organizers is included in Appendix A- Safety Requirements for Dragon Boat Charleston Sponsored Festivals. A copy of Festival Safety Plan is submitted by the Event Organizer. Dragon Boat Charleston Membership Acknowledgement The Safety Guidelines are made available on the Dragon Boat Charleston website and available for all members review. Updates to the Guidelines are emailed to membership and presented at the Annual General Membership. Membership shall acknowledge that they have read and understand the Guidelines (2013). Receipt of email of updates will constitute acknowledgement of updates. Disclaimer: This document has been prepared to provide general guidance for the safe operation of paddling practices and events as part of the Dragon Boat Charleston paddling club. Paddling practices include dragon boat practices and individual training events in canoes, kayaks or outrigger canoes. Safety is the responsibility of all participants and membership of Dragon Boat Charleston. This document does not identify all conditions and is not a replacement for common sense and acknowledgement of individual capabilities and limitations. This is a living document with biannual (every 2 years) review and updates. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION TITLE PAGE NO. 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. MEMBERS PERSONAL SAFETY 1 3. THE ASHLEY RIVER WATER COMMUNITY 2 4. BOAT INSPECTIONS 2 5. LOADING AND UNLOADING DRAGON BOAT PROCEDURES 3 6. GETTING UNDERWAY FROM THE DOCK AND DOCKING 4 7. CHAIN OF COMMAND 5 8. CHECKING BOAT BALANCE 5 9. ON THE WATER SEAT CHANGES IN THE DRAGON BOAT 5 10. DRAGON BOAT SELF RESCUE PROCEDURE 5 11. LOCAL WEATHER AND SITE CONDITIONS 6 12. SUGGESTED OPERATING AREAS 8 13. MANDATORY DRAGON BOAT EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PRACTICES 8 14. CANOE PRACTICES 8 15. EMERGECNY CONTACT AND REPORTING PROCEDURES 9 DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page iii

DRAGONBOAT CHARLESTON SAFETY GUIDELINES 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. The safety of all members of Dragon Boat Charleston is the number one priority in helping all members paddle/steer/ drum in a rewarding and secure environment. 1.2. The steersperson, Coach-Caller and safety boat operator: Ensures the safety of club members and teams on the water during practice; Ensures a team does not jeopardize the safety of other vessels on the water during training and races; Teaches the team to be responsible in meeting the above two goals. EVERYONE HAS RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY. 1.3. The Steersperson is in control of the dragon boat and is in the best position to make decisions involving safety. (i.e. determining whether the boat and crew remain on the water, or return to the dock, or head for calmer water). The responsibility for the paddler and boat safety is also shared with the Safety Launch operator, and/or Coach-Caller of the boat. However, the Steersperson will have final authority over safety decisions. 1.4. Steersperson, safety launch operator and Coach-Caller will communicate practice plans prior to launching of any boats. 2. MEMBER PERSONAL SAFETY 2.1. USCG approved PFDs are available to all members and must be worn in the proper manner at all times while in the dragon boat. PFDs must be worn correctly and in good condition. Participants may provide their own USCG approved PFDs. Participants are responsible for maintenance and working conditions of personal PFDs. 2.2. Members are responsible for appropriate paddling attire (including foot protection, sun, heat and cold weather protection) equal to weather conditions. 2.3. Each crew member is solely responsible for his or her own safety at any time while engaging in activities related to practicing and racing in the dragon boat. 2.4. Any injuries or incidents occurring as a result of participating in the practices or races must be reported to the Steersperson and/or safety launch operator and an incident report form must be filled out. Forms are located on the website or available from the Executive Director/Athletic Coordinator. 2.5. The steersperson/safety launch operator will follow up promptly with the incident report to the Club Safety Officer/Executive Director/Athletic Coordinator. Incidents will be reviewed by the Safety Committee and follow up with the membership as necessary. 2.6. The Dragon Boat Charleston Safety Guidelines must be observed at all times during practices and where applicable during races. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 1

3. THE ASHLEY RIVER WATER COMMUNITY Please respect all users of the River and Charleston Harbor. 3.1. Quiet Vessels The vessels listed below are human or wind powered (no engine). You will not hear them approaching, so it is important to understand their behavior (stability, speed and hazards). SAILBOATS Limited visibility around the sail and mast. Steering control decreases in high winds Various learn to sail programs may be underway. Do not assume skilled sailors ROWING SHELLS Shells are light and unstable boats. Rowers must constantly adjust their course according to water and wind conditions. Rowers look the opposite way they are traveling. Their backs are facing the direction of travel Even if there is a cox, the boat is situated low to the water so they may not always have clear line of vision. Rowers often do interval training so speed of boat varies. Various learn to row programs. Do not assume all CANOES, KAYAKS, PADDLE BOARDS 3.2. Motorized Vessels rowers are experienced. Assume novice paddlers Speeds will vary COACHES LAUNCH Coach boats may be seen following rowing shells or other training programs COMMERCIAL FISHING Note anchor lines, crab pot markers and wakes BOATS Produce wakes and may be distracted when tending gear. Stay clear as much as possible. RECREATIONAL SPEED Be aware of wakes and people in water BOATS/JET SKIS Often not aware of their wake and the responsibility to stay clear of other boats. DO NOT ASSUME that they will abide by nautical rules of the road. 4. BOAT INSPECTIONS 4.1. STEERSPERSON WILL INSPECT THE DRAGON BOATS PRIOR TO PRACTICES Standing water will be bailed from the boats Inspect steering oar and support structure and bow and stern lines DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 2

Identify any obvious cracks or damages to the boat. Report damages to Athletic Coordinator. Bailers will be kept in the boat during practices, but secured so as not to cause tripping during loading and unloading. THE DRAGON BOAT WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT FOR EACH PRACTICE: Working VHF- (check radios workability with safety operator) Bailers Throw bag Throwable flotation device 4.2. SAFETY LAUNCH OPERATOR WILL INSPECT THE SAFETY LAUNCH PRIOR TO PRACTICES. Fuel level (recommended level 50%) Radio Engine cutoff (kill cord) Drain plug Mooring lines (4 on board) Anchor and anchor lines Boat deck (will be free of oil residue or other debris) SC DNR Vessel Registration Basic tool box Boarding ladder THE SAFETY LAUNCH WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT FOR EACH PRACTICE Bailers Throw bag Throwable flotation device First Aid Kit with exposure blanket Paddle, PFDs 4.3. OUTRIGGER CANOE WILL BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO USE: Ama and seats secured properly Drain plugs in place Operational rudder 5. LOADING AND UNDLOADING DRAGON BOAT PROCEDURES 5.1. LOADING AND UNLOADING THE DRAGON BOAT Due to the high freeboard of the Bristol Marina docks loading of the boat will precede one person at a time being diligent of footing and balance. Assistance by fellow teammates is strongly encouraged. Paddles, water bottles, seat cushions, etc. will be DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 3

handed to paddlers or placed on the dock so as to ensure free hands when entering the boat. 5.1.1. Organize team at the Gazebo in the order by rows prior to walking down to the dock to load boats for practice. 5.1.2. Prior to loading or unloading, make sure the boat is securely tied at both the bow and stern. 5.1.3. Load the boat from the middle rows then work towards each end, (alternating with row 6, then 5 and 7, then 4 and 8 etc.). Drummer and Steersperson may assist in calling in rows. 5.1.4. Unload the boat from the middle rows in a similar fashion as loading. 5.1.5. Take your time and avoid keeping paddles, water bottles or other items in your hands while loading and unloading. 5.1.6. During unloading, use a forearm to forearm support with the person on the dock. 5.1.7. Always offer to load and unload paddlers at the low dock, if needed. 5.1.8. After unloading remove all items from the dock. 5.1.9. Coach-Caller, steerperson and safety boat operator will make a head count of paddlers in each boat prior to launch. 5.1.10. Paddlers must be attentive to directions given at the dock (both leaving and returning.) 5.1.11. Paddlers will not stand in the boat (unless under a controlled seat change) or jump out of the boats. No members will participate while under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol. 5.1.12. Steersperson will check the boat for trim and make adjustments at the dock with discussion with Coach-Caller. 6. GETTING UNDERWAY FROM THE DOCK AND DOCKING THE BOAT THE STEERSPERSON WILL HAVE CONTROL OF THE BOAT WHEN GETTING UNDERWAY AND DOCKING. (SEE FIGURE 1 -RECOMMENDED TRAVEL PATTERN TO AND FROM DOCK). 6.1 GETTING UNDERWAY 6.1.1. Steersperson will always be aware of tides, currents and weather conditions prior to getting underway. There will be communication with Coach-Caller, other dragon boats and safety operator so as to understand the practice plan and directions of the practice. 6.1.2. Paddlers will be aware that steerperson will have control and listen for all commands during departing and returning to the dock. 6.1.3. If the boat leaves the dock toward the bridges, steersperson will continue under the bridge and not turn between the bridge and the marina. 6.1.4. Paddlers will not offer any unsolicited assistance during the process. 6.1.5. Steersperson will be aware of tides and weather conditions and be in control of the boat. Boats will approach slowly and dock with steering oar away from the dock. Note: Due to shoaling under the walkway at the northern end of the marina, it is recommended that boats enter and return to the south towards US 17 Bridge. Continue under the bridge and do not turn between the US 17 Bridge and the marina. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 4

6.2. DOCKING THE BOAT STEERSPERSON HAS CONTROL OF THE BOAT DURING DOCKING THE DRAGONBOAT. 6.2.1. Paddlers will pay attention to commands. 6.2.2. Paddlers will not offer any unsolicited assistance during the process. 6.2.3. Paddlers will watch their hands and paddles while docking. 7. CHAIN OF COMMAND 7.1. Always observe the Chain of Command. The chain of command is in place to manage control of the dragon boat in a predictable, safe manner. It is the responsibility of each individual in the boat to acknowledge this structure and follow instructions. 7.2. 1 st in Command- Steersperson Steersperson know the experience level of your boat, review commands if necessary and don t hesitate to call commands during breaks, Coach-Callers discussions with the paddlers. 7.3. 2 nd in Command- Coach-Caller. The steersperson may relinquish control of the boat to the Coach-Caller for the purposes of Coach or planned practice but will remain aware of surroundings, water and weather conditions, boat traffic and other potential hazards. 7.4. 3 rd in Command- Safety Launch Operator 8. CHECKING BOAT BALANCE 8.1. DRUMMER AND STEERSPERSON WILL COORDINATE AND EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING: 8.1.1. After members have boarded the boat, the mooring ropes are untied. 8.1.2. Request paddlers to push off from the dock using their hands. Let the dragon boat come to a rest. 8.1.3. Ensure everyone is next to gunnel and sitting straight up. 8.1.4. Check the balance 8.1.5. If some seats in the boat are left empty, try to balance the boat such that the bow of the boat is slightly lighter then the stern in order to assist the Steersperson in being able to maintain control of the boat while underway. 9. ON THE WATER SEAT CHANGES IN THE DRAGON BOAT 9.1. STEERSPERSON AND COACH-CALLER WILL COORDINATE THE FOLLOWING: 9.1.1. If paddlers need to move to another seat, check the dragon boat to a stop position. 9.1.2. All paddlers must hold and brace (blades flat on the water and sculled (moved back and forth) until the paddlers have moved to new seats and the steersperson- Coach-Caller releases the command. 9.1.3. One paddler at a time, as instructed by the steersperson- Coach-Caller shall be moved within the dragon boat. 10. DRAGON BOAT SELF RESCUE PROCEDURE 10.1. SWAMPED OR CAPSIZED BOAT DURING RACE OR PRACTICE. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 5

10.1.1. Paddlers will remain calm and be alert for instructions. Confirm the whereabouts of your seat mate and those seated adjacent to you in the boat. 10.1.2. Steersperson Coach-Caller - Safety Launch Operator- Know how many paddlers were in the boat and make a head count to identify any missing paddlers. 10.1.3. Strokes check on the drummer. Back seat check on the steersperson. Always check for your seatmate. 10.1.4. All persons will stay with the boat. If a paddler is missing the safety boat will assume responsibility for and control of the search. Paddlers in the water will be removed from the water (to a safety boat) as soon as possible. 10.1.5. Right the boat, if possible- and stay with the boat until directed otherwise by safety rescue team. 10.2. SWAMPED BOAT (boat is upright or partially full of water) 10.2.1. Steersperson is to direct all paddlers to move to the position on either side of the boat that corresponds to their seat and get in the water. 10.2.2. As soon as the safety boat is on the scene secure a line from the STERN of the safety boat to either the bow or the stern of the dragon boat. 10.2.3. Anchor the safety boat to keep the tethered dragon boat from drifting in the current. 10.2.4. Two paddlers will enter the dragon boat and begin bailing. Paddlers in the water (one seat at a time) can enter the dragon boat as sufficient water is removed and assist with bailing. All paddlers will remain calm and steady the boat as needed to prevent water from filling the boat. If water temperatures are below 65 degrees, paddlers will be removed from the water as soon as possible. 10.3. CAPSIZED BOAT (boat is overturned in the water) 10.3.1. Steersperson is to direct all paddler to move to one side of the boat. 10.3.2. With all paddlers pushing up on one side, rotate the boat to turn it upright in the water. 10.3.3. Two paddlers will enter the dragon boat and begin bailing. Paddlers in the water (one seat at a time) can enter the dragon boat as sufficient water is removed and assist with bailing. All paddlers will remain calm and steady the boat as needed to prevent water from filling the boat. If water temperatures are below 65 degrees, paddlers will be removed from the water as soon as possible. 11. LOCAL WEATHER AND SITE CONDITIONS 11.1. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF TIDE CHANGES, WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SMALL BOAT ADVISORIES 11.1.1. No boats will go out under small craft weather advisories. 11.1.2. Direct side waves (on the beam) are most dangerous for dragon boats. Wakes from passing power boats are a common source of waves of significant height in the Ashley River that can be a threat to the stability of a dragon boat. However wind driven chop, especially that caused when the wind direction is opposite that of the tidal current, can DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 6

cause waves large enough to swamp a boat. Steerspersons will remain aware of these conditions and instructed and aware of handling boats on the Ashley River. 11.1.3. Thunderstorms.- No boats shall go out in lightning and storm conditions. If boats are underway they will immediately return to the Bristol Marina. Boats may resume operation if lightning has not been observed for fifteen minutes and weather conditions indicate that lightning may no longer be a threat. 11.1.4. Fog- Morning practices may experience extreme fog conditions. Steersperson is responsible for determining if conditions are safe for practice. 11.1.5. Temperatures- 11.1.5.1. Heat Temperatures- All paddlers must be aware of personal limitations and susceptibility to heat conditions. Water will be brought to practices. Coach-Caller- Steersperson and Drummer will be aware of paddlers and excessive training in heat conditions. Boats will not go out when heat indexes exceed 105 degrees F. 11.1.5.2. Cold Temperatures- The minimum air temperature for paddling practices is 40 degree F and water temperatures are below 50 degrees F. Water temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees F can produce hypothermia and will significantly reduce the dexterity of the person in the water. However, it is the steersperson responsibility to evaluate weather and water conditions. Paddlers will be dress appropriately in the boat and after practices in cold weather. 11.1.6. Early Morning Late Night Paddling- Boats may leave or come back to the dock under reduced light conditions. Bow and stern lights (dragon boat and launch) or equivalent head lamps (dragon boat only) will be used in these conditions. 11.1.7. Tides-Current 11.1.7.1. HIGH TIDE - Boats will be limited during some high tide conditions by inability to enter or exit under either walkway. Steersperson/Coach-Caller will be aware of tides and make arrangements to move boats out of mooring area prior to these higher astronomical tides. Steersperson will make the final decision as to whether boats can leave the dock. 11.1.7.2. LOW TIDE Due to shoaling under the walkway at the northern side of the Bristol Marina all boats will evaluate the conditions and depart the marina in a southerly direction toward the US 17 bridge. After clearing the overhead walkway Steerspersons will continue under the first highway bridge before turning right to proceed toward the Ashley River channel. Steersperson will not turn immediately between the first highway bridge and the marina. Steersperson will also be aware of shallow water inshore of the mooring area when maneuvering to and from the dock at low tide. Boats will have limited turning radius between the walkways during low tide and have the potential for damages due to oyster beds and the potential to become stuck in the mud. Boats must leave and return to the dock in the direction of the Bristol/17 Bridge direction. Steersperson will make the final decision as to whether boats can leave the dock. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 7

11.1.7.3. Currents- Areas of the river are subject to changes in currents. A general rule of thumb is to not stop boats under or in close proximity to the bridges. Steerspersons and Coach-Caller will be familiar with the specifics of tidal currents and low areas in the Ashley River. 12. SUGGESTED OPERATING AREAS DBC typically runs practices within the following areas: That portion of the Ashley River extending upriver, northward to the dock at Lowndes Grove House just upstream of navigation day marker 8 and adjacent to navigation day marker 9. That portion of the Ashley River extending downriver, southward to the USCG base pier and navigation lighted marker 3. Areas further upriver in the Ashley River and downstream into Charleston Harbor may be used at the discretion of steersperson, Coach-Caller- safety boat operators. Practices outside these areas may be used as long as it is discussed among all persons and weather, wind conditions are taken into consideration. 13. MANDATORY DRAGON BOAT EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR PRACTICES 13.1. THE DRAGON BOAT MUST CONTAIN/UTILIZE THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT AT ALL TIMES DURING A PRACTICE. Safety Launch may be used for dual purpose Safety/Coach-Caller if only one boat is on the water. When two or more boats are out on the water, the safety launch is not to be used for Coach-Callers and is dedicated for safety purposes. The safety launch operator must be aware of all boats locations through either visual or radio contact. One bailer Radio Life Jackets/PFDs worn by paddlers, steersperson and caller 14. CANOE PRACTICES (From Annex E. to the IDBF Water Safety Policy) Although outrigger canoes can be used in many open water conditions from large wave, open ocean environments to calm inland waters for the purposes of DBC the club outrigger canoes will be used in the Ashley River and other flat water environments for the purpose of dragon boat stroke training, endurance paddling exercise and team qualification. 14.1. Outriggers are designed for use on placid inland waters such as small lakes, docks, calm rivers, etc. They will only be used under these conditions. 14.2. Outriggers will not be used in rough weather, particularly strong winds where they may be hard to handle. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 8

14.3. Spray decks can be used for training purposes, to keep out excess water from waves and to keep the crew warm. However, they may not be used during official time trials. 14.4. Outriggers will not be used without being accompanied by other paddlers or safety launch. The minimum number will be two or an outrigger will be accompanied by the safety launch. 14.5. PFDs must be worn at all times when paddling an outrigger. 14.6. Outriggers will only be used under the guidance of an attending qualified dragon boat steersperson or Coach-Caller. 15. EMERGECNY CONTACT AND REPORTING PROCEDURES 15.1. Standard VHF Radio- For on the water emergencies, steerspersons will be aware of the following procedures: Use Chanel 16 to contact Coast Guard Hail the USCG by repeating 3 times: Coast Guard Sector Charleston Identify yourself : This is Dragon Boat Charleston, over Follow directions given by USCG. Identify the type of emergency, including injured persons, number of persons involved, etc. 15.2. Cell Phone- For emergencies on land or on the dock.- Use cell phone to contact 911. Identify the location as 180 Lockwood Drive at Bristol Marina Docks and identify the best entrance (either Brittlebank Park access or Bristol Marina access). Have a person go to this exit to direct emergency crews to correct location. Once the situation is under control and all parties have obtained proper care, notify the Executive Director/Athletic Coordinator. Steerspersons, Coach-Caller, Safety Boat drivers and other DBC members are encouraged to qualify in basic first aid and CPR skills. Steersperson, Coach-Caller, Safety Boat drivers and other DBC members are encouraged to complete a certified instructor led boating safety class offered by SC Department of Natural Resources, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Sail and Power Squadron or similar. DBC-Rev 82013 Safety Guidelines 2013 Page 9