Safety

Safety First

Safety of coaches and athletes is our main priority at Swans. Any rower or coxswain is responsible for abiding by local river rules and regulations while out on the water.

SRRC is closely aligned with Rowing Australia’s On-Water Safety Code, which provides guidelines for ensuring the safety of rowing activities, emphasising both individual and collective responsibility. It covers a range of topics, including swim tests, rescue procedures, weather and water conditions, and the importance of coaching staff familiarising themselves with local waters and training routes. The code also highlights the need for adequate supervision, proper equipment, and first aid preparedness.

Key safety rules in place at SRRC include:

  1. Traffic plan: starboard-side rule, clockwise loops unless otherwise marked. Refer to the Canning Bridge course map below.
  2. Lights : mandatory before sunrise and after sunset – “no lights, no row, no exceptions”.
  3. Coaches: In most cases, a coach in a safety boat is required to accompany athletes while out on the water.
  4. Incident reporting: using the form on this page, submit the report online within 24hrs. The submission is automatically copied to the Safety Officer safety@srrc.org.au
  5. Defibrillator & First Aid: A first aid kit and defibrillator is available at the club. The defibrillator is located on the exterior of the club on the car park side and is brightly coloured.
  6. Weather: never row when there is lightning, or in fog.
  7. Boat Maintenance: boats are maintained to a high standard. Use of heel ties and hatch covers are mandatory.
  8. Falling Out: All athletes need to be able to competently swim 50m and be aware of how to get back into a boat in the event of falling out. Falling out is rare, but a possible occurrence.

Incident Reporting

Whether it’s a capsize on the water, a slip in or around the clubhouse, damage spotted around the clubhouse, or a mishap while travelling to a regatta, we want to hear about it. Our Safety Officer’s view is simple: “Over-reporting is much better than under-reporting.” Each report, no matter how minor, helps us spot patterns, fix hazards quickly, and keep every SRRC member and visitor safe. If you’re unsure whether an event counts, please err on the side of filling in this form. Thank you for taking the time to look out for one another and for the club.