If in doubt – take the safest option

Emergency numbers

- Police and ambulance: 911 (Tell them, “Emergency on White’s Island, Hamilton Harbour” then describe the emergency)
- Harbour Radio: VHF Cannel 16

Life Preservers

All Juniors must wear a life-preserver.  Those adults who are not confident in a narrow boat are encouraged to take one.  These are a ‘fanny-pack’ design and are worn with the preserver at the base of one’s back.  Ensure that the strap is not loose so that it will not get caught in one’s hands when rowing.  The preserver is deployed by FIRMLY pulling on the yellow tab.  It will then inflate, bring it to the front of you and the top can be placed over one’s head.

Whistles

All crews are encouraged to take a loud plastic marine whistle with them.  These are inexpensive and easily found.  THREE LOUD BLASTS is the emergency signal.  The Association has some whistles but you are asked to buy your own.

Water, caps, sunscreen

Take a minimum of one litre per hour of rowing.  You should hydrate properly in the hours before rowing.  Just drinking water during hard exercise is not sufficient.  Dehydration in Bermuda’s humid climate is a risk.

Please wear a cap with a large shade to protect from the sun.

A waterproof sunscreen must also be used of at least spf 20.  Reapply as necessary.  There is no such thing as a “healthy suntan”!

Float plan / reef markers
Before taking to the water, agree with the other crews the route that you will take.  With the many route options open to us, it is essential that if a crew is late back then we know where to search.

Observe all reef markers.  Many reefs are not visible, or marked.  The height of the tide is deceptive and will not necessarily take you over a reef.  DO NOT TAKE RISKS.

Passing tight corners

Please do not cut corners around islands and peninsulas as there may be a crew or ferry coming fast in the opposite direction.  Give yourself space so that you can see what is coming around the corner and have enough time to react.

Capsize drill

Please refer to the attached file.  Ask a coach if you are unsure about any of the content.
If you fall out of the boat:

1. Rescue yourself first – hold onto the boat.
2. Rescue your crew – look around for them and make sure all are accounted for and are holding onto the boat.
3. Attract attention from the safety boat, other crews and other boat users.  Use your whistle.
4. Attempt to get back in the boat.
5. NEVER swim for the shore.  Stay with the boat and swim that to the shore if necessary.

Swimming off the dock

NEVER swim off the dock until all crews have returned.  Approaching crews will probably not see your head.

Missing/ delayed crews

All crews must agree a return time before setting off.  If a crew is five minutes late returning then inform a coach.  Once ten minutes has elapsed then the safety boat must be taken out to look for the late crew.  Take several people on the safety boat to look out for the crew, they will not necessarily be easy to see.