Emergency Procedures

This guide outlines essential protocols for responding to emergency situations that may occur during Learn to Scull activities. Familiarize yourself with these procedures before each session and review them regularly.

Important Safety Notice

These emergency procedures should be reviewed before every session. In case of any emergency, your first priority is always participant safety.

Quick Reference: Emergency Response Steps

  1. Assess the situation
  2. Alert others to the emergency
  3. Act according to appropriate protocol
  4. Access help and resources
  5. Attend to affected individuals
  6. Aftermath procedures and documentation

Communication Systems

Emergency Signal Hierarchy

  1. Verbal Commands:
    • “HELP!” - Basic call for assistance
    • “EMERGENCY!” - Indicates serious situation
    • Specific calls: “MAN OVERBOARD!”, “MEDICAL EMERGENCY!”, etc.
  2. Whistle Signals:
    • One blast = Attention/stop
    • Three blasts = Emergency assistance needed
    • Continuous blasts = Urgent emergency/immediate danger
  3. Visual Signals:
    • Distress signal for scullers: Waving one arm overhead repeatedly (modified from universal signal to allow scullers to maintain stability with other arm on oars)
    • Single arm raised vertically = Need assistance
    • Paddle/oar raised and waved = Emergency situation
  4. Radio/Phone Communication:
    • Channel/Number: VHF Channel 16 (where applicable) or club emergency channel
    • Standard opening: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” for life-threatening emergencies
    • “Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan” for urgent but not immediately life-threatening situations

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Service Contact Number Notes
Emergency Services 911 For all medical emergencies, fires, police
DNR Conservation Officers RAP Hotline: 1-800-292-7800 For water-related emergencies on Michigan inland waters
Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Marine Division Non-emergency dispatch: (734) 994-2911 For water-related emergencies on the Huron River
Boathouse Manager Russ Giacobbe, Director & Boatman — contact via info@a2crew.com For facility-related emergencies

Emergency Decision Trees

Capsizing Emergency Protocol

Initial Assessment

Sculler has capsized. Is the person visible and responsive?

Look for clear signs that the sculler is able to respond and is not in immediate distress.

YES

Is the sculler with their boat and attempting self-recovery?

YES

Monitor and stand by

  • Approach but maintain safe distance
  • Offer verbal encouragement
  • Be ready to assist if needed
  • Document incident after resolution

NO

Provide immediate assistance

  • Approach sculler safely
  • Throw rescue line or flotation device
  • Guide sculler back to boat if separated
  • Assist with re-entry or tow to shore

NO

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

  • Call for help/911 immediately
  • Use launch to approach capsized boat
  • Search water area surrounding capsized boat
  • Begin water rescue protocol
  • Prepare for possible CPR/first aid

This is a life-threatening emergency - act without delay

Additional Capsizing Considerations

Cold water immersion can quickly lead to:

  • Cold Shock (0-3 minutes): Gasping, hyperventilation, panic
  • Swimming Failure (3-30 minutes): Loss of dexterity and strength
  • Hypothermia (30+ minutes): Gradual cooling of core body temperature
Recognize these signs:
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of coordination
  • Shivering that stops suddenly
Take these actions:
  • Get person to shore quickly
  • Remove wet clothing
  • Apply passive warming (blankets, dry clothes)
  • No alcohol or caffeine
  • Seek medical attention for moderate-severe cases

If multiple boats capsize simultaneously:

  1. Call for backup assistance immediately
  2. Assess and prioritize: most vulnerable first
  3. Use launch to create a protected area
  4. Have rowers hold onto launch if possible
  5. Direct any capable rowers to self-rescue
  6. Use throw bags to connect scullers if needed

Try to keep the group together while waiting for additional help.

Medical Emergency Protocol

Initial Assessment

Is the person conscious and breathing?

Check for responsiveness and normal breathing pattern.

YES

Is the person experiencing chest pain, severe bleeding, or difficulty breathing?

YES

Serious Medical Emergency

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Keep person still and comfortable
  • Apply direct pressure to stop any bleeding
  • Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation
  • Be prepared to administer CPR if needed
  • Send someone to direct emergency services

NO

Non-Critical Medical Situation

  • Assess the injury or condition
  • Provide appropriate first aid
  • Determine if medical care is needed
  • Help person to shore if on water
  • Document the incident

NO

LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Begin CPR if not breathing normally
  • Send for AED if available
  • Continue CPR until emergency services arrive
  • If on water, get person to shore as quickly and safely as possible

Time is critical - every minute without CPR reduces survival chances by 10%

Common Rowing Medical Emergencies

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
Heat Exhaustion Treatment:
  • Move to cool location
  • Loosen clothing
  • Cool with wet cloths
  • Sip water
  • Seek medical help if vomiting occurs or symptoms worsen
Signs of Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency):
  • High body temperature (103°F+)
  • Hot, red, dry skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness
Heat Stroke Treatment:
  • Call 911 immediately
  • Move to cool area
  • Lower temperature with cool cloths or cool bath
  • Do NOT give fluids

Weather Emergency Protocol

Weather Assessment

Is severe weather (lightning, high winds, heavy rain) occurring or imminent?

YES

Immediate Water Evacuation

  1. Signal all boats to return to dock immediately:
    • Use air horn signals: five short blasts
    • Use radio communication if available
    • Use megaphone for verbal commands
  2. Ensure all scullers are accounted for
  3. Direct boats to nearest safe landing point
  4. Provide launch assistance to those farthest away

Is it lightning or thunder?

YES

Lightning Protocol

  1. Get off water immediately
  2. Move everyone indoors
  3. Stay away from open areas, tall objects, and metal
  4. Wait 30 minutes after last lightning/thunder before resuming activity

Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from storm center
NO

Wind/Rain Protocol

  • Direct scullers to shore
  • Prioritize safety over equipment
  • Use buddy system for carrying boats
  • Monitor water conditions
  • Resume only if conditions improve

NO

Continued Monitoring

  • Check weather radar regularly
  • Monitor changing conditions
  • Have evacuation plan ready
  • Consider shortening session if forecast is concerning

Weather Condition Guidelines

Wind Speed Novice Scullers Experienced Scullers
0-5 mph Safe for all scullers Safe for all scullers
5-10 mph Use caution Safe for all scullers
10-15 mph Not recommended Use caution
15+ mph Not permitted Not recommended
20+ mph Not permitted Not permitted

Wind speed can be measured using the club's weather station or smartphone apps like Windfinder.

Facility Emergency Protocol

Facility Incident

What type of facility emergency is occurring?

FIRE

Fire Protocol

  1. Activate fire alarm
  2. Call 911
  3. Evacuate all personnel to designated meeting area
  4. Account for all participants
  5. Do NOT re-enter building
  6. Meet fire department to provide information

Small fires: Use fire extinguisher only if safe to do so
STRUCTURAL

Structural Issue Protocol

  1. Clear affected area immediately
  2. Call emergency services if danger is imminent
  3. Secure area to prevent access
  4. Document the issue with photos
  5. Contact facility manager

UTILITY

Utility Emergency Protocol

  • Gas Leak: Evacuate building, call 911, do not use electrical devices
  • Water Leak: Turn off water source if possible, move equipment, contact management
  • Power Outage: Use emergency lights, continue if safe or cancel session

Documentation and Reporting

All emergency incidents must be documented immediately after resolution using the Emergency Incident Report form. Complete documentation helps improve safety protocols and satisfies insurance requirements.

Emergency Incident Report Form

The Emergency Incident Report form is available in the coach's binder and online in the coach portal. Submit completed forms to the Safety Committee within 24 hours of any incident.

Access Incident Report Form

Annual Training and Review

All coaches must complete annual emergency procedure training including practical demonstrations of rescue techniques. Contact the Safety Committee Chair to schedule your annual review session.

AARC Coach Resources - For internal use only