Other river users
We share the river with Pioneer, Huron, and U-M men's crew teams, plus canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, fishermen, and coach launches. Be predictable, courteous, and ready to stop.
River Rules & Safety
The goal is simple: know the rule, rehearse the turn, recognize hazards, and follow the course your coach assigns.
The one rule to remember
Stay right, pass left
River rules are like road rules: stay on the right side of the river for your direction of travel and pass on the left. Conditions and coach instructions can change the exact route, but this rule gives you the default pattern.
Traffic pattern
Dock-to-dock route model
Before you row, be able to explain this route story without using the map: leave the dock, hold the travel side, scan caution areas, stop before the turn, complete the river turn, and return to dock under control.
- Dock
- Travel side
- Caution zone
- Turn area
- Return side
- Dock
The maneuver to rehearse
River Turn
All boats should use a controlled river turn at assigned turn points, dams, or bridges. Your coach will name the exact cue for the session.
- Stay right. Hold the correct traffic side as you approach.
- Stop. Come under control before starting the turn.
- Turn left. Make the first 90-degree turn.
- Check and cross. Cross only when traffic is clear.
- Turn left again. Rejoin the correct side for the return.
- Clear the area. Move out of the turn zone and wait for coach direction if needed.
Example near the dam: Row until the coach-assigned cue, stop, make your river turn, row across only when clear, turn again, and take strokes to clear the turning area for others. If multiple boats are turning, leave extra room for the boat closest to shore.
The hazards to expect
Scan before steering
Swimmers
Swimmers can be hard to see, especially in summer. Watch carefully near the dock and along mixed-use stretches. Stop if the path is unclear.
Weeds and shallows
Weeds become more prevalent as summer progresses, especially around bends and shoreline edges. Give them room while staying in the traffic pattern.
Bridges and current
Bridge openings, pillars, branches, and current require early decisions. Review the bridge reference only when your coach assigns that route.
Next step
Open the route briefing
The navigation guide turns the route into learner cards, bridge reference cards, a coach briefing script, and a printable quick card. The map is attached as a secondary reference.
Optional full river map reference
Use this full map after you understand the route model. It helps identify the dock, turn areas, bridge sequence, and common caution zones.