5. Safety Equipment
5.1 Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs - Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids)
·All coxswains, launch drivers and launch crew must wear a flotation device.
Coxswains in bow-loaders must wear a manually operated self inflating lifejacket and NOT a foam buoyancy aid, due to the risk of getting trapped underwater.
PFDs are kept on hooks by the boathouse door. Choose one the correct size for your activity and fit it correctly, using the straps and clips provided. Wash and stow correctly after use. Report any damage.
5.2 Throw Lines
Coaches and Supervisors on the river bank should carry a 15m throw line. Throw lines are kept on the hooks with the PFDs.
In an emergency:
Get the attention of the casualty, reasure them and explain that you will use the line
Position yourself on the bank with a safe footing and with regard to the path the casualty will take as they are pulled in.
Hold the line by the handle in one hand and throw the bag
If you miss, loosely lay the line in big loops on the ground, fill the bag with water and try again.
Pull the casualty in steadily.
The casualty must hold the bag and beware of water thrown up into face when being pulled in
5.3 First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is located near the main entrance to the boat house, with the buoyancy aids and throw lines. Its content is checked monthly. Use of the kit should be recorded in the Incident Log Book
5.4 Safety and In/Out Notice Boards
The main Safety Notice Boards are located towards the back of the boathouse opposite the entrance to the ladies changing rooms. They display the ARA Water Safety Poster, Child Protection, hypothermia and first aid posters, navigational rules and charts, ARA Guidelines for the safe use of rescue launches and ARA guidelines for the towing of trailers. The Incident Logbook and Damage & Repair Logbook are kept by these boards.
Members and volunteers are expected to familiarise themselves with the information and check it regularly for updates.
The In/Out board is for the recording of crews and scullers details when they take to the water and should include name, type of boat, time out and expected time back. On safe returing from an outing the entry should be deleted. It lives in the boathouse and is brought out during club training sessions.
5.5 Motor Launch
The club owns a small rigid inflatable launch with a 15hp 4-stroke outboard for coaching and safety boat duties.
The driver, who should ideally hold an RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate, must have the club Captain's permission and be familiar with the ARA's Water Safety Code, Guide for the use of Rescue Launches, local rules of navigation and the correct use of the safety equipment provided. The driver must also be accompanied by at least one other responsible person. The driver, crew and any passengers must wear buoyancy aids and should not wear wellington boots.
An ARA Rescue Launch Kit, paddles, bailer, spare fuel, anchor and line should be carried in the launch. The Incident Logbook and Damage & Repair Logbook should be used as necessary, with any problems reported to the Captain or Safety Advisor.
5.6 Incident Reporting
It is a requirement of the ARA and the club's insurers that any accident or incident is recorded. It also enables the club to identify areas where safety can be improved.
Accidents that involve third parties or result in injury to club members or damage to club equipment must be recorded as Reportable Incidents, whilst other incidents such as capsizes must be noted as Recordable Incidents, in the Incident Logbook in the boat house.
