Health and Safety
Health and fitness
Rowing both on and off the water is a great way for developing fitness or staying physically active.
As an individual you need to make sure that you take responsibility for your own health. It is important to make an accurate disclosure of health problems, which may be affected by strenuous activity, and to be sure that you can achieve at least the minimum swimming competence set out by the Club.
If in doubt don't be afraid to say so and in the case of health remember that the club is not qualified to give advice, you should seek this from your doctor. If there are problems you will find that the Club can usually make provisions that allow you to take part safely.
Giving false information could put you and others in danger and don't forget, if there is anything you do not understand, ask. You will be asked to complete a swim test before any water activity takes place and be trained in capsize and immersion procedures.
The Amateur Rowing Association's (ARA) medical committee has produced a series of guides that individuals should be aware of and it is suggested that you visit its website at www.ara-rowing.org
Water safety
Rowing and sculling are by their nature, outdoor activities and as such are subject to the vagaries of weather in all its forms. It is important to recognise that contending with difficult weather conditions is part of the sport. Safe enjoyment is the aim, not foolhardiness. Rowing has an excellent safety record. However, it is easy to become complacent.
The ARA's water safety code places emphasis on the individual's and club's responsibility for their actions and is a guide to the minimum standard of safe practice. It does not prevent a club or individual from taking further measures they may deem necessary to ensure safe rowing.
The code should be used as the basis for clubs to reflect upon or develop their own local safety rules and practices for their members to follow.
Clubs need to be pro-active in educating and training their members in safe practice including risk management.
Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease)
We have recently had a case of Leptospirosis confirmed in someone who regularly canoes on the River Thames.
This water-borne disease is always a threat, but can be more prevalent in rivers after a flooding event.
The Illness
Leptospirosis is an infection caught through contact with urine from infected animals (mainly rodents, cattle and pigs) in water or soil. The bacteria enter the body through abrasions or cuts in the skin and through the lining of the nose, mouth and eyes.
Early symptoms include flu-like symptoms, vomiting, high temperature, headache and muscle pains. The treatment is antibiotics.
If you think you may have the infection, go to your doctor and tell them there may be a risk of leptospirosis.
Prevention
- Do not swallow river water
- Wash your hands before eating if you have been in contact with the riverbank
- Cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof plasters
- Always wear foot-wear to avoid cutting feet
- Canoeists avoid capsize drills or rolling practice in suspect waters
- Where possible, shower soon after coming into contact with river water
Leptospirosis is very rare, and its deterioration into Weil’s Disease even more rare. Weil’s Disease is however a very serious illness, and must be swiftly diagnosed and treated.
If in doubt, contact your doctor early, particularly if you experience ‘flu-type’ symptoms.
Welfare
The Club always has a responsibility when introducing beginners to rowing. In the case of juniors however, both the Club and the coaches have a higher level of duty of careand consideration to the welfare of the child.
The safety and welfare of the individual is the overriding principle and the Club should have in place an agreed and written set of local rules and guidelines, not only understood, but also followed by all coaches and Club members. These can be found in the Local Rules section
Statement from ARA website 2006
