AARC Safety Rules
Safety is the highest priority at the Ann Arbor Rowing Club. These rules are established to protect all members and ensure a safe rowing environment. All rowers must strictly adhere to these guidelines.
Safety First
All members must follow these safety rules. Failure to comply may result in loss of rowing privileges or membership suspension.
Essential Safety Rules
Water Safety
- All rowers must be able to swim 50 yards and tread water for 5 minutes
- Completion of a swim test or signed swimming ability affidavit is required for membership
- Swim tests are offered twice yearly or by arrangement with Safety Committee
Swimming ability verification is required only once at initial membership but members are encouraged to update their skills regularly.
- A USCG-approved PFD must be carried in each boat when water temperature is below 60°F
- Coxswains must wear a PFD at all times while on the water
- Inflatable PFDs are encouraged for all rowers during cold-water conditions
- Club-provided PFDs are available but members are encouraged to obtain their own
PFDs must be worn (not just carried) when water temperature is below 50°F
- All scullers must successfully complete a flip test before rowing in a single
- Rowers must demonstrate the ability to re-enter a capsized boat or perform a self-rescue
- Annual flip test renewal is required for all single scullers
- Supervised flip test sessions are scheduled regularly during warm months
Flip Test Procedure:
- Capsize the boat under supervision
- Maintain contact with the boat at all times
- Position yourself at the stern or midpoint of the boat
- Either re-enter the boat or demonstrate sculling it to shore
- Singles rowers must use the buddy system during early morning (before sunrise) or evening (after sunset) hours
- Notify another rower or coach of your intended rowing route and expected return time
- When possible, row within sight of other boats
- Sign in and out in the log book, including expected return time
Environmental Conditions
- No rowing when lightning is observed or thunder heard (30-minute waiting period after last occurrence)
- No rowing in fog when visibility is less than 100 meters
- No rowing if Air Quality Index (AQI) is 150 or greater. Check AirNow.gov.
- Observe wind and water conditions guidelines according to boat class
- Check weather forecasts before rowing and plan accordingly
Lightning Protocol:
If lightning is observed or thunder heard while on the water, immediately return to the dock. If unable to return safely, seek the closest shoreline, preferably away from trees and metal structures. Wait until 30 minutes after the last thunder/lightning before resuming activity.
- Combined air and water temperature must be 100°F or higher for singles
- Special cold-water protocols apply when water temperature is below 50°F
- No rowing when water temperature is below 40°F except in 8+ boats with coach supervision
| Water Temp | Doubles/Pairs (2x/2-) | Quads/Fours (4x/4+/4-) | Eights (8+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 40°F | Not permitted | Not permitted | Coach required |
| 40-50°F | PFD required | PFD required | PFD required |
| 50-60°F | PFD required | PFD on board | PFD on board |
| Above 60°F | Standard rules | Standard rules | Standard rules |
- Boats rowing at night or in low visibility must have bow and stern lights visible 360°
- High-visibility clothing required for all rowers during low-light conditions
- Restricted hours apply for novice rowers and certain boat classes
- Know the sunrise and sunset times before planning early morning or evening rows
White light at bow, red light at stern. Lights should be securely fastened to the boat, not to clothing or headgear which can shift position.
Boathouse and Equipment
- All boats must be signed out in the log book before launching
- Record name(s), boat, time out, expected return time, and intended direction
- Sign in upon return and note any equipment issues
- Report all safety incidents in the incident log
- Check bow ball, heel restraints, hatches, and rigger tightness before launching
- Ensure all safety equipment is functional and in place
- Test foot stretcher release mechanism
- Do not take out damaged or unsafe equipment
Pre-Row Safety Checklist
Emergency Procedures
- Stay with your boat - It provides flotation and visibility
- Assess the situation - determine if self-rescue is possible
- Signal for help if needed (whistle, waving arm)
- If close to shore, paddle boat to shore with legs while laying across hull
- In cold water, minimize movement to conserve heat, get as much of your body out of the water as possible
Never try to swim to shore without your boat unless shore is very close and conditions are favorable. Your boat is your primary safety device.
- Stop the boat immediately
- Call out "Rower overboard!" and identify which seat
- Establish voice contact with person in water
- Turn boat carefully to assist rower
- Deploy PFD if available
- Pull rower to side of boat, ideally at bow or stern
- Head to nearest shore if rower cannot re-enter boat
- For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately
- First aid kit is located at the entrance to the boathouse
- AED is mounted on the wall near the main door
- Report all injuries to a coach or club officer
- Complete an incident report form for all injuries
Emergency Contact Information
- Emergency Services: 911
- Boathouse Manager: (734) 555-1234
- Safety Committee Chair: (734) 555-5678
Compliance and Enforcement
All members are expected to follow these safety rules and help enforce them. Violations should be reported to the Safety Committee. Repeated violations may result in revocation of rowing privileges.
Safety Committee members and coaches have the authority to prohibit any individual from rowing if, in their judgment, conditions are unsafe or the individual is not prepared for the existing conditions.