Safety at Clydesdale ARC
The section of the Clyde that we row on is relatively calm however there are a number of hazards that all rowers must be aware of, as well as many other river users to consider. As a watersport we are at the mercy of the river and conditions can change rapidly.
Being aware of hazards and risks and how to stay safe on the water is important. The information on this page and in the links at the bottom of the page will provide you with the information needed to safely enjoy rowing.
As a Scottish Rowing affiliated Club we adhere to the Water Safety Code. We have Risk Assessments in place for club activities and have a dedicated Safety Officer. Any incident that occurs on the river must be reported to the Safety Officer.
Club Safety Guidelines
Make sure you are fully acquainted with, and at all times obey, the local rules of navigation specific to the Clyde above the weir, namely:
- Boats should be launched and returned to the steps facing upstream.
- Boats should head upstream on the north bank (i.e. the side of the boathouse) and downstream on the south bank.
- Boats going upstream should use the north arch of each bridge with the exception of Dalmarnock and Rutherglen bridges where the north arch should be used unless impractical.
- Boats going downstream should give way to faster crews going downstream.
- Boats going upstream should give way to crews going downstream.
- Boats must start to turn prior to the steps located on either side of the river at the boathouse.
- Rowing is not allowed without the presence of an authorised member.
- The most senior committee member present has the sole responsibility as to whether it is safe for boats to take to the water.
Beginners should not use equipment without prior and adequate instruction and not boat unsupervised. It is also important that they do not go above the 500 metre straight on which the boathouse is situated – i.e. out of sight. All rowers and scullers must be able to swim 100 metres in light clothing. All should be prepared to demonstrate this on request by the Safety Advisor. Beginners should also make themselves aware of obstacles on the river. See map on the boathouse door.
Do not attempt to turn your boat around on a bend, or under a bridge.
No rowers are allowed beyond the corner at the top of the 5km Belvedere straight.
All equipment should be in good working order and in a safe condition before use. If you discover this not to be the case please report the damages and do not use the equipment until it has been repaired. If damaged, a note must be left on the boat to warn other club members of the boat condition.
All coxswains must wear a lifejacket when on the water. Coxswains in “front-loader” positions must wear lifejackets, which allow them easy escape from their position – i.e. not the foam filled type. There are also lifejackets available for beginners going out in aquajogs and sculls.
All coxswains must learn and use simple commands for boat control on and off the water: use them correctly, clearly and instinctively: and understand the basic commands and signals of other river users.
All persons steering a boat are responsible for the crew/sculler in his/her charge. The coach shall ensure that every member of the crews in which he/she has charge is aware of the appropriate safety procedures at all times.
All coaches on the bank should carry a rescue line/throw-bag with them up the bank.
In cases of emergency the Human Society (located at the top of the 500 metre straight) should be contacted. Please see notice on the boathouse door for contacts in case of emergency.
Finally, you must be constantly aware of the right of others to the free use of the water and extend to them at all times the courtesy you would similarly wish to receive.
DISCLAIMER: CLYDESDALE AMATEUR ROWING CLUB IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURY (OR LOSS OF PROPERTY) TO ANY PERSON SUFFERED WHILE WATCHING OR PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES AT WITH OR UNDER THE AUSPICES OF CLYDESDALE AMATEUR ROWING CLUB FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE CLYDESDALE AMATEUR ROWING CLUB INSTRUCTOR/COACH, MEMBER, VOLUNTEER, OR AGENT OF CLYDESDALE AMATEUR ROWING CLUB OR ANY OTHER ROWER, VISITOR OR PERSON PRESENT AT OR PARTICIPATING IN ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED BY CLYDESDALE AMATEUR ROWING CLUB