GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation.

GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION

A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation


Basics and Safety


Rules on the Water Rule One:

Always stay with your boat. Rule Two:

Remember rule number one. The boat is your flotation device. Your oars are flotation devices. You are allowed by law to row with out more

flotation than this. Remember the Rule of 4 Oars No swimming off dock or jumping off any

bridges.


Boat Basics

SternCockpit

Bow

Rigger

Foot Stretcher

Seat

Tracks

Deck PlugOarlock

Direction of boat

Gunwhale

Oar


Boat Basics (Oars)

Blade

Shaft

Handle

Hands Up Blade Down

Hands Down Blade UP

Sleeve Collar or Button


Boat Basics (Oars)

BladeShaftHandle

Blade Square

Blade Feathered


Boat Basics

Direction of boat

Oars (Sculling)


Movement Metaphor

Oars anchored in water

Pulling on handles moves boat forward


Direction of boat

Oars (Sculling)

Oars anchored in water

Movement Metaphor


The gate is only open while inserting or removing the oar.The Oarlock

Pin and Head nut

RiggerClosed Open

Gate Gate


Boat Basics

Direction of boat

Oars (Sweep)

4+

RiggersSeat and Track

Foot Stretcher


Crew Seat Designations

Direction of boat 4+

Bow

Two

Three

Stroke

Coxswain


Boat Basics

Direction of boat Direction of view


The Rower in the Boat

Foot StretcherTrackSeat

Direction of boat


The Oarlock

Feather (recovery) Square (stroke)


The oar in the oarlock

Pin and head nut

Shaft

SleeveCollar flat against oar lock at all times

Rigger

Inboard sideOutboard side


The oar in the oarlock

Collar not in contact with oarlock is unstable


Oarlock OrientationYour nose

Your oarlock

Direction of boat


Equipment CareAlways check your equipment before you leave the boathouse. All Boats:

Hull integrity Riggers adjusted

and bolts tight. Seats in securely

and roll smoothly Plugs in and

secure Stretchers in and

secure

Alden: Oarmaster

orientation correct Seat orientation

correct Height of oar lock

correct Clips in to secure

to hull Track length set

to your dimensions


Equipment Care

All Boats: Protect fin from

damage on dock. Protect rigger

from damage by entering or exiting with rigger over dock.

Oarlocks in correct orientation.

Step only in correct place

Oarlock gates must always be closed except while installing or removing the oar.


Rigger destruction


Rigger destruction

The rigger can overlap the dock.

The rigger to boat joint is delicate to eliminate weight.

Holding the rigger rigid to the dock and stepping in the boat will break the joint.


Stepping through hull


Stepping through the hull.The hull has one place to step

and a stretcher to hold feet while rowing.

While transferring on the water a rower can step through the hull of a wooden shell.

The hole can be huge.The hull will never be as fair

again.


Equipment (returning) All Boats:

Hull integrity Oarlock gates

closed Seats in securely

before lifting boat Plugs out and

secure Stretchers in and

secure Return oars to

rack Wipe down boat

to remove Miami River scum.

Aldens:Never lift boat

hull by grabbing the deck, riggers or oarmaster.

Lift by the rub rails onto the cart.


Bow and Stern Bashing


Door Head


Heads Down


Not lifting together


Hull scrapes


Sling Bruising


Dock side damage


Safety Discussion


Why be concerned about safety?to reduce damage to yourselfto reduce damage to other

peopleto reduce damage to the

equipmentto reduce chances of bad

publicityto reduce chances of legal

action


Rules on the Water Rule One:

Always stay with your boat.

Rule Two:

Remember rule number one.


In Boat Safety

Never let go of your oar while you are in the boat.

Never step anywhere other than the spot provided. If you don’t know where that spot is ask.



Club Log Out Policy

Always log out when you take any boat on the river.This allows the club to know:

who you are and when you leftwhere the boat is and when it leftalerts the club to any boat damageif a boat has been damaged, it

allows some understanding of how and helps to prevent the same occurrence in the future.


Club Log Out Policy

Always log in when you return.Always make a notation of any

damage incurred.If you notice that a boat has been

out a long time:Check to see if the boat is in the house,

as the rower may have forgotten to sign in.

If you perceive a problem, call the person at home and if still concerned, notify the MetroPark Rangers and Dayton Police by dialing 911


Island MetroPark The park is often desolate during

the hours GDRA people row. Be careful and mindful of the private

nature of activities in many cars. Be careful of the people wandering

the docks. Always lock the boat house when it

is empty. Always lock your car doors and then

lock your car keys inside the key lock box inside the boathouse.


We share the dock with fishermen who have nearly invisible lines in the water.Give them a generous space

when you row by and be mindful of their lines.

We share the park with Island MetroPark visitors who are non-rowers.Be courteous; they may want to

join us.

Island MetroPark


We share the docks and river with Dayton Canoe Club and UD. They both present a hazard to you

and your boat.Entering the river from the docks

is hazardous.Always watch for boat traffic coming

through the Helena Street Bridge.No power rowing between the Helena

Street Bridge and the docks.

Island MetroPark


Rules of the roadThe traffic pattern in the river is

counter clockwise. (looking down)

The traffic pattern for you in the river is right side going upstream, right side when going down stream.The river is like a road -- drive on the

right and almost NEVER in the middle!



River Hazards Power boats

The entire river is a “no wake zone.”

UD puts many power boats on the river. Be extra careful.

Visible Debris Submerged

Debris Other rowers

Buoys Bridges The wind and

chop. Fishing lines Under water

posts and pilings


When not to row

When there are white caps on the river. (high winds)Remember sheltered wind

conditions change in different parts of the river.

When you hear thunder or see lightning.

Extreme coldWhen the dockside “Height

Stick” is in the RED zone.


While you are learning, row in the dock area.

As you advance and are authorized to take a boat in the river stay between the Helena St. Bridge and the I-75 bridge. Most of the space between the bridges

and around the docks is a “no wake zone.”

Try to stay within visible range of your coach.

Remember the Rule of 4 Oars.

Where to row


Where to row

Later when you are proficient:Rowing upriver toward I-75 bridgeRowing downstream the river

often has heavy boat traffic.Beware of the low-head dam

downriver from the docks and stay away! It is a “drowning machine.”

Always turn and look frequently for traffic and debris in an un-coxed boat.


Boat house safety.

Never sit on or step over a boat.Never run in the boathouse.Never hit the boats with

another boat or hard object.Always leave oar locks closed.Always leave the boathouse

locked when no one is in the house.


Clothing Dress appropriately for the weather

conditions. Carry a water bottle to avoid

dehydration. Shirts should fit tightly to avoid

snagging your hands or in the tracks.

Shorts should fit tightly to avoid snagging in the tracks.

Running shoes may not fit the stretchers “clogs.” Wear deck shoes.


Darkness and Glare

Your boat is required to have a appropriate lighting in the dark.Use a red bow light Use a whitewhite stern light

Remember the glare may prevent another boater from seeing you.


Traveling Tips

We have learned several things while traveling about loading, unloading, waiting and reloading.


Loading

Operate with a check list.Have the whole crew know

what to do.Have the whole crew there.Have the crews work as GDRA

not their individual crews or boats. It’s our trailer.


Loading

Eights hang over bed, go on top.

Fours, go on bottom.

Oars in the racksRiggers in the truck, taped together

Slings, seats, tools, tents, etc. in the truck bed, or other appropriate vehicle.


LoadingWhen truck turns, this much pivots out into opposite lane from turn direction.

When truck turns, this much sticks out in opposite lane from direction of turn

We may use a chase car to guard the overhanging lanes, but the truck driver must always be aware of the danger. The chase car must take an active role and not just follow.


Turning

Opposite Lane Traffic


Chase Vehicle behind Trailer

Vehicle passing on right


Chase Vehicle covers opposite lane as the trailer turns


Vulnerable areas due to the overhangs


Loading

Always check trailer: Ball secure Running lights Safety chains Overhang red flags Hitch jack up and block

in trailer Spare inflated Driver awake Un-chock the wheels,

re-chock before un-hitching.

Always check boats: All boats strapped

correctly and tight. Strap ends will not blow

under wheels Oars strapped and tight Cox box wires secured. All seats strapped and

secure or boxed All deck plugs secure All fins+impellers

secure Riggers correctly stored


Boats Eights on top unless small load then lower to reduce

overturn moment on trailer. They have to clear trailer cab.

Boats on top go on first when ever possible. One person should cox boat; every one else should be

quiet. Boats on lower racks must be loaded carefully to avoid

hitting hull and fins on trailer frame. All seats should be bungeed or out of the boat prior to

loading. Strapping should be taught to everyone and should be

checked by everyone who passes the trailer. Strapping should not be over tightened.

Strap ends must be secured! This is to avoid a long end blowing under a wheel and crushing the hull.

Out board hulls should be held inward to minimize the over hang.

Loading


Release head nut to finger snug. Remove riggers – NEVER STEP ON A RIGGER Swing back stay over fore stay. Nest port side riggers and tie as shown Nest starboard side riggers and tie as shown. When loading be sure back stays have nothing loaded on top of

them. Check headnuts to make sure they are snug enough to not rattle

out.

Loading

Rigger on boat

Back

sta

y

Rigger off boat Riggers nestedand tied

Fore stay

Main

sta

y


Riggers Inventory riggers to make sure they are

matched with boats. Make sure head nuts have been loosened

before the back stay is folded over the fore stay.

Make sure head nuts are re-snugged for travel. Make sure, nothing is on top of backstays in

trailer. Impact loading, from trailer bounce, fatigues the thin tubing and causes breaks.

Loading


Oars: Check inventory with coaches to make

sure we have enough correct oars. Count them!

Use the wooden combs in the front and back of the trailer to secure all that will fit.

Oars blades are aligned aft in the combs. Strap balance of oars along side and

secure end of strap, to assure it does not blow under the wheels.

Be aware that the vertical pipes for the combs will cut the boats if in place when loading boats.

Loading


Unloading Boats:

Remove lower boats first to access slings. Remove riggers and stage in a safe, low traffic

area. Remove oars and stage in a safe, low traffic

area. Set up slings for boats, where coach says. Coxswains have boats removed to slings. Remove balance of stuff from trailer, if it must

be removed. If it can stay, work out of trailer. All slings, bungees, and rigger ties should be

coiled neatly and stowed in a bucket. If it’s raining…... cover the bucket


Waiting Crews should not wander off. Many races

have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat.

When GDRA has boats on the water they will return. They will need help with oars, shoes, slings, injuries and spirit. Be there.

If you see other crews in need of the same assistance, offer to help.

Horse play around our boats endangers the boat, for all who use them. If you see some one endangering the boats you row, stop them. We forget during long waiting periods.




Check rigging: All bolts are the correct tightness. All oarlocks are free to rotate easily. All tracks are clean All head nuts are tight. Spread, height, work through, pitch are set. All stretcher nuts are in place. All bungies are stored. Deck plugs are available Bow ball is on Bow number bracket is on




Rest appropriately Hydrate appropriately Eat appropriately Warm up Stretch after warm up Be ready to row early


Reloading Crew members should not leave. The

GDRA crews who used the boats are responsible for their safe return to Dayton.

Everyone is tired, some are disappointed, the boats have to get home.

Reloading is like loading except everyone is tired.

Some times reloading is a rush operation due to site constraints. It can be done effectively and orderly in ten minutes.


Hazards on the River

Great Miami River RowingBuoys, Debris, Bridge piersDistancesPrevailing windsCurrentThunder in your ears, lightning in

your eyes….do not row…or head in to shore!


Chase car driving The chase car driver is important to the transport

of our boats. The chase must attempt to stay close enough to

prevent other drivers from getting between chase car and boats. The chase driver knows that there are several needle like hulls hanging four feet behind the trailer bar. Others will not.

The chase must anticipate the movement of the overhanging boats and stay between them and other vehicles passing on the the side opposite the turn.

The driver of the the trailer can use help changing lanes. The chase can provide that help by planning ahead and screening the trailer when pulling out.

GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation.

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Transcript of GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation.