A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation GREATER DAYTON ROWING

A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Basics and Safety GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Rules on the Water n Rule One: n. Always stay with your boat. n Rule Two: n. Remember rule number one. n The boat is your flotation device. n Your oars are flotation devices. n You are allowed by law to row with out more flotation than this. n Remember the Rule of 4 Oars n No swimming off dock or jumping off any bridges. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat Basics Deck Plug Bow Seat Cockpit Oarlock Rigger Gunwhale Stern Tracks Foot Stretcher Direction of boat Oar GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat Basics (Oars) Handle Sleeve Shaft Collar or Button Blade Hands Up Blade Down Hands Down Blade UP GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat Basics (Oars) Handle Shaft Blade Square Blade Feathered GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat Basics Oars (Sculling) Direction of boat GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Movement Metaphor Pulling on handles moves boat forward Oars anchored in water GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Movement Metaphor Oars (Sculling) Direction of boat Oars anchored in water GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

The Oarlock The gate is only open while inserting or removing the oar. Pin and Head nut Closed Gate Rigger Gate Open GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat Basics Oars (Sweep) Foot Stretcher Seat and Track Direction of boat Riggers 4+ GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Crew Seat Designations Bow Three Two Direction of boat Coxswain Stroke 4+ GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat Basics Direction of boat Direction of view GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

The Rower in the Boat Direction of boat Seat Track Foot Stretcher GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

The Oarlock Feather (recovery) Square (stroke) GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

The oar in the oarlock Outboard side Inboard side Pin and head nut Shaft Sleeve Rigger Collar flat against oar lock at all times GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

The oar in the oarlock Collar not in contact with oarlock is unstable GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Oarlock Orientation Your nose Direction of boat Your oarlock GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Equipment Care Always check your equipment before you leave the boathouse. n All Boats: n Hull integrity n Riggers adjusted and bolts tight. n Seats in securely and roll smoothly n Plugs in and secure n Stretchers in and secure n Alden: n Oarmaster orientation correct n Seat orientation correct n Height of oar lock correct n Clips in to secure to hull n Track length set to your dimensions GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Equipment Care n All Boats: n Protect fin from damage on dock. n Protect rigger from damage by entering or exiting with rigger over dock. n Oarlocks in correct orientation. n Step only in correct place n Oarlock gates must always be closed except while installing or removing the oar. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Rigger destruction GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Rigger destruction n The rigger can overlap the dock. n The rigger to boat joint is delicate to eliminate weight. n Holding the rigger rigid to the dock and stepping in the boat will break the joint. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Stepping through hull GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Stepping through the hull. n The hull has one place to step and a stretcher to hold feet while rowing. n While transferring on the water a rower can step through the hull of a wooden shell. n The hole can be huge. n The hull will never be as fair again. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Equipment (returning) n All Boats: n Aldens: n Hull integrity n Never lift boat hull by grabbing the n Oarlock gates deck, riggers or closed oarmaster. n Seats in securely n Lift by the rub rails before lifting boat onto the cart. n Plugs out and secure n Stretchers in and secure n Return oars to rack n Wipe down boat to remove Miami River scum. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Bow and Stern Bashing GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Door Head GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Heads Down GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Not lifting together GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Hull scrapes GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Sling Bruising GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Dock side damage GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Safety Discussion GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Why be concerned about safety? n to reduce damage to yourself n to reduce damage to other people n to reduce damage to the equipment n to reduce chances of bad publicity n to reduce chances of legal action GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Rules on the Water n Rule One: n. Always stay with your boat. n Rule Two: n. Remember rule number one. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

In Boat Safety n Never let go of your oar while you are in the boat. n Never step anywhere other than the spot provided. If you don’t know where that spot is ask. n. Always stay with your boat. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Club Log Out Policy n Always log out when you take any boat on the river. n This allows the club to know: nwho you are and when you left nwhere the boat is and when it left nalerts the club to any boat damage nif a boat has been damaged, it allows some understanding of how and helps to prevent the same occurrence in the future. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Club Log Out Policy n Always log in when you return. n Always make a notation of any damage incurred. n If you notice that a boat has been out a long time: n. Check to see if the boat is in the house, as the rower may have forgotten to sign in. n. If you perceive a problem, call the person at home and if still concerned, notify the Metro. Park Rangers and Dayton Police by dialing 911 GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Island Metro. Park n The park is often desolate during the hours GDRA people row. n Be careful and mindful of the private nature of activities in many cars. n Be careful of the people wandering the docks. n Always lock the boat house when it is empty. n Always lock your car doors and then lock your car keys inside the key lock box inside the boathouse. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Island Metro. Park n We share the dock with fishermen who have nearly invisible lines in the water. n Give them a generous space when you row by and be mindful of their lines. n We share the park with Island Metro. Park visitors who are nonrowers. n Be courteous; they may want to join us. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Island Metro. Park n We share the docks and river with Dayton Canoe Club and UD. n They both present a hazard to you and your boat. n Entering the river from the docks is hazardous. n Always watch for boat traffic coming through the Helena Street Bridge. n No power rowing between the Helena Street Bridge and the docks. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Rules of the road n The traffic pattern in the river is counter clockwise. (looking down) n The traffic pattern for you in the river is right side going upstream, right side when going down stream. n The river is like a road -- drive on the right and almost NEVER in the middle! n. Always stay with your boat. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

River Hazards n Power boats n Buoys n The entire river is n Bridges a “no wake zone. ” n The wind and n UD puts many chop. power boats on the river. Be extra n Fishing lines careful. n Under water posts n Visible Debris and pilings n Submerged Debris n Other rowers GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

When not to row n When there are white caps on the river. (high winds) n Remember sheltered wind conditions change in different parts of the river. n When you hear thunder or see lightning. n Extreme cold n When the dockside “Height Stick” is in the RED zone. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Where to row n While you are learning, row in the dock area. n As you advance and are authorized to take a boat in the river stay between the Helena St. Bridge and the I-75 bridge. n Most of the space between the bridges and around the docks is a “no wake zone. ” n Try to stay within visible range of your coach. n Remember the Rule of 4 Oars. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Where to row n Later when you are proficient: n Rowing upriver toward I-75 bridge n Rowing downstream the river often has heavy boat traffic. n. Beware of the low-head dam downriver from the docks and stay away! It is a “drowning machine. ” n. Always turn and look frequently for traffic and debris in an un-coxed boat. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Boat house safety. n Never sit on or step over a boat. n Never run in the boathouse. n Never hit the boats with another boat or hard object. n Always leave oar locks closed. n Always leave the boathouse locked when no one is in the house. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Clothing n Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. n Carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration. n Shirts should fit tightly to avoid snagging your hands or in the tracks. n Shorts should fit tightly to avoid snagging in the tracks. n Running shoes may not fit the stretchers “clogs. ” Wear deck shoes. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Darkness and Glare n Your boat is required to have a appropriate lighting in the dark. n Use a red bow light n Use a white stern light n Remember the glare may prevent another boater from seeing you. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Traveling Tips n We have learned several things while traveling about loading, unloading, waiting and reloading. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading n Operate with a check list. n Have the whole crew know what to do. n Have the whole crew there. n Have the crews work as GDRA not their individual crews or boats. It’s our trailer. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading Eights hang over bed, go on top. Fours, go on bottom. Oars in the racks Riggers in the truck, taped together Slings, seats, tools, tents, etc. in the truck bed, or other appropriate vehicle. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading When truck turns, this much sticks out in opposite lane from direction of turn When truck turns, this much pivots out into opposite lane from turn direction. We may use a chase car to guard the overhanging lanes, but the truck driver must always be aware of the danger. The chase car must take an active role and not just follow. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Turning Opposite Lane Traffic GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Chase Vehicle behind Trailer Vehicle passing on right GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Chase Vehicle covers opposite lane as the trailer turns GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Vulnerable areas due to the overhangs GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading n Always check trailer: Ball secure Running lights Safety chains Overhang red flags Hitch jack up and block in trailer n Spare inflated n Driver awake n Un-chock the wheels, rechock before un-hitching. n n n Always check boats: n All boats strapped correctly and tight. n Strap ends will not blow under wheels n Oars strapped and tight n Cox box wires secured. n All seats strapped and secure or boxed n All deck plugs secure n All fins+impellers secure n Riggers correctly stored GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading n Boats n Eights on top unless small load then lower to reduce overturn moment on trailer. They have to clear trailer cab. n Boats on top go on first when ever possible. n One person should cox boat; every one else should be quiet. n Boats on lower racks must be loaded carefully to avoid hitting hull and fins on trailer frame. n All seats should be bungeed or out of the boat prior to loading. n Strapping should be taught to everyone and should be checked by everyone who passes the trailer. Strapping should not be over tightened. n Strap ends must be secured! This is to avoid a long end blowing under a wheel and crushing the hull. n Out board hulls should be held inward to minimize the over hang. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Main stay sta Rigger on boat ay st Ba ck re Fo y Loading Rigger off boat Riggers nested and tied Release head nut to finger snug. Remove riggers – NEVER STEP ON A RIGGER Swing back stay over fore stay. Nest port side riggers and tie as shown Nest starboard side riggers and tie as shown. When loading be sure back stays have nothing loaded on top of them. n Check headnuts to make sure they are snug enough to not rattle out. n n n GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading n Riggers n Inventory riggers to make sure they are matched with boats. n Make sure head nuts have been loosened before the back stay is folded over the fore stay. n Make sure head nuts are re-snugged for travel. n Make sure, nothing is on top of backstays in trailer. Impact loading, from trailer bounce, fatigues the thin tubing and causes breaks. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Loading n Oars: n Check inventory with coaches to make sure we have enough correct oars. Count them! n Use the wooden combs in the front and back of the trailer to secure all that will fit. n Oars blades are aligned aft in the combs. n Strap balance of oars along side and secure end of strap, to assure it does not blow under the wheels. n Be aware that the vertical pipes for the combs will cut the boats if in place when loading boats. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Unloading n Boats: Remove lower boats first to access slings. Remove riggers and stage in a safe, low traffic area. Remove oars and stage in a safe, low traffic area. Set up slings for boats, where coach says. Coxswains have boats removed to slings. Remove balance of stuff from trailer, if it must be removed. If it can stay, work out of trailer. n All slings, bungees, and rigger ties should be coiled neatly and stowed in a bucket. If it’s raining…. . . cover the bucket n n n GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Waiting n Crews should not wander off. Many races have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat. n When GDRA has boats on the water they will return. They will need help with oars, shoes, slings, injuries and spirit. Be there. n If you see other crews in need of the same assistance, offer to help. n Horse play around our boats endangers the boat, for all who use them. If you see some one endangering the boats you row, stop them. We forget during long waiting periods. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Waiting n Crews should not wander off. Many races have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat. n Check rigging: n n n n n All bolts are the correct tightness. All oarlocks are free to rotate easily. All tracks are clean All head nuts are tight. Spread, height, work through, pitch are set. All stretcher nuts are in place. All bungies are stored. Deck plugs are available Bow ball is on Bow number bracket is on GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Waiting n Crews should not wander off. Many races have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat. n Rest appropriately n Hydrate appropriately n Eat appropriately n Warm up n Stretch after warm up n Be ready to row early GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Reloading n Crew members should not leave. The GDRA crews who used the boats are responsible for their safe return to Dayton. n Everyone is tired, some are disappointed, the boats have to get home. n Reloading is like loading except everyone is tired. n Some times reloading is a rush operation due to site constraints. It can be done effectively and orderly in ten minutes. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Hazards on the River n Great Miami River Rowing n Buoys, Debris, Bridge piers n Distances n Prevailing winds n Current n Thunder in your ears, lightning in your eyes…. do not row…or head in to shore! GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

Chase car driving n The chase car driver is important to the transport of our boats. n The chase must attempt to stay close enough to prevent other drivers from getting between chase car and boats. The chase driver knows that there are several needle like hulls hanging four feet behind the trailer bar. Others will not. n The chase must anticipate the movement of the overhanging boats and stay between them and other vehicles passing on the side opposite the turn. n The driver of the trailer can use help changing lanes. The chase can provide that help by planning ahead and screening the trailer when pulling out. GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION