Rowing Club Safety and Kit

Rowing Safety

Advice, safety tips and guidelines aimed at helping keep everyone safe.

Stay dry and warm whilst waiting for your row.
The risk of injury is increased when exercising whilst cold. It is noticeably cooler out at sea and it is not safe to be cold for long periods.

Avoid entering deep water or jumping in.
There are often lots of rowing boats being lifted in or out of the water and boats setting off or arriving back in. There is a high risk of injury if hit by a boat or oar, particularly for small juniors who may not be visible.

Take extra care around the club steps and slipway.
The tide often becomes dangerous with high levels of swell. It is important to keep out of the water to avoid losing your balance or being swept away by the tide, which can lead to serious injury.

All Under 18 coxswains must wear a lifejacket, regardless of swimming ability. Lifejackets are located at the back of the boathouse. The sea and tide are unpredictable and conditions can change quickly. In the rare event of an accident, this may save your life.

Under 18s must follow the instructions of the appropriate adult in charge.
When not supervised by a parent or guardian, Under 18s must listen to the designated adult responsible for them. When in a boat, Under 18s must be supervised by at least one adult with a DBS check.

We advise everyone to wear wet shoes or wet boots.
The beach is rocky, slippery and can contain broken glass. Wet shoes will also help to keep your feet warmer.

Important

Whitby Friendship Amateur Rowing Club takes no responsibility for any injuries incurred during, or as a result of, taking part in rowing activities.

Rowing Kit

Attire for training and racing

Embroidered kit can be purchased directly from Laughing Whale Embroidery.

Whilst taking part in training, both outdoors and indoors, including the gym, you are representing Whitby Friendship A.R.C. Therefore, you are encouraged to wear appropriate gym wear or rowing kit.

For training

Any brand of gym wear can be worn. Club colours are preferred but are not essential.

For racing

Any gym wear can be worn; however, club colours (red and white) must be worn on the top half.

Not permitted

The following items are not permitted whilst training or racing:

• Lone sports bras
• Crop tops or crop vests
• Hot pants style shorts
• Revealing clothing
• Trainers
• Jeans

Anyone wearing these items will not be permitted to take part.
Rowers must not row topless.
This is due to health and safety requirements, weather risks and sporting conduct.

Additional advice

Thick tracksuit bottoms are not advised due to the increased risk of drowning in an emergency.

We advise everyone to wear wet shoes or wet boots. The beach is rocky, slippery and can contain broken glass. Wet shoes will also help to keep your feet warmer.

Trainers are not permitted.

Important

Participants take part in rowing activities at their own risk and should follow all safety guidance provided by the club and its coaches.