Restricted rowing within the H&D Region.

To all H&D Clubs.

You will all probably be aware that there have been two communications in the last 48/96 hours from British Rowing concerning the easing of restrictions of recreational water sports and how this affects rowing.

As one of the first sports to be allowed to resume, albeit in a limited capacity, there is a major responsibility on rowing clubs to ensure that our sport is conducted in a safe manner and observance of government guidance of hygiene and social distancing is crucial. 

Our advice to all clubs within the region is to read and consider the guidance provided by British Rowing on the use of shared facilities and equipment which can be found here 

https://www.britishrowing.org/2020/05/coronavirus-covid-19-update-13-may/

Each club in our region is uniquely different in its location, facilities and members, therefore, there is not a 'one guide fits all' scenario. However, we would recommend clubs follow the guidelines outlined by BR and undertake the following key elements:

- Ensure your local water authority permits recreational water usage. Most have lifted restrictions, but each club needs to confirm with its own local authority and adhere to their guidelines and safety advice.

- Prepare a risk assessment for your club, its facilities and local hazards whilst ensuring all the considerations outlined by British Rowing and Government. Facilities should not be used until the club management committee are happy that the government guidelines are being adhered to and members safety is not compromised. 

- Consider those that will be able to take to the water safely and whether a safety launch will be able to accompany them. Clubs should use their own existing safety guidelines and risk assessments when assessing what members can utilise limited facilities such as competency levels, junior and masters members.

- Whilst many of your club members will be keen to head back out onto the water, please reiterate to your members that they also need to consider their family members and whilst a rower maybe fit and healthy, going back home to a vulnerable member could put their family at risk.

- We advise, at this stage, a club only opens the minimum level of facilities to allow access to boats and equipment in a safe manner. Gyms, Changing Rooms and Social spaces should remain closed. Clubs may wish to open toilets and where open, soap be provided and water switched on and checked to be safe.   

- Look into online booking for times when members can use the facilities. There is online software available or you could look at booking times over a club Face book page so you not only manage restricted numbers, but members can also check in once safely back ashore.

Whilst we appreciate that the onus of managing members going back out onto the water is down to individual clubs, we cannot stress that if guidelines and social distancing protocols are not adhered to, we may see clubs locked up again or even worse, members or their families being put at risk. 

We are sure that all H&D clubs will continue to demonstrate the high levels of safety both on and off the water to keep their members, families and communities safe.

Public health measures and hopefully further lifting of restrictions will continue to be monitored and British Rowing will provide guidance in line with any relevant changes.  

 

Keep safe, both on and off the water.

Steve Bull & Penny Budd. Joint Association Secretaries. 

for the H&D Executive Committee.