Catching “a crab” Skeletal and soft tissue injury (including to head) Being thrown from the boat, with risks from immersion (as above) Rowers coached proper technique to avoid crabs. Development squads supervised at all times whilst on water. Captain, Coach low Over-exertion Hyperventilation, pulled muscles, cramp, hypothermia, back injury Rowers to warm up before any exercise and warm down and stretch as appropriate. Suitable clothing to be worn. Experienced coach to specify training sessions and adapt to conditions. Coach, Crew med High stream and/or high wind Being swept onto obstacles, including bridges, bank, debris etc. Swamping or capsize when spinning, manoeuvring, boating and landing Outings only to be undertaken after prior consideration of conditions. Coach, Cox, Crew low-high, (depending on combination of conditions) Use of coaching launches Capsize Stable launch to be used, launch driver to be qualified to RYA level 2 or equivalent. Captain, Coach low Falling Out Not overloaded. Kill cords to be fitted and used. Lifejackets to be worn by all crew (WSC). Launch crew, Captain low Failure of engine due to fouling of propeller Assess state of river for debris. Carry all BR recommended safety equipment, including a knife and paddle (WSC). Launch crew, Captain low Mechanical failure Ensure regular servicing. Captain med Rowing in hours of darkness Increase risk of collision with other boats, bank and static obstacles Experienced and registered steers/coxswains only. Club rule that no outings below Putney Road Bridge. Full Tideway code/PLA guidance on lighting of boats followed. Coach, Cox, Crew Rowing in fog Increase risk of collision with other boats, bank and static obstacles No rowing in foggy conditions. Club rule that there is no boating if Fulham wall not visible. Coach, Cox, Crew Storm Conditions Lightning strike on boat or launch Outings not to be undertaken in storm conditions. In a storm event during an outing the crew and launch is to make for the nearest safe landing point and get out of the boat/launch. Crew is also to keep clear of metallic boat components. BR guidelines on ‘lightning’ to be followed. Launch Crew, Crew, Cox low
Under-age drinking Cadet member illegally purchases or obtains alcohol from the Vesta Bar putting the club’s license at risk Individual concerned is informed that under-age drinking on the premises is strictly forbidden. Bar staff informed of and provided description of individuals who are under age Decision to allow presence of cadet member at social events taken under discussion with parents. Chaperone, Bar Captain, Coach, Parents Low Low Sexual Abuse Cadet member is exposed to verbal or physical sexual abuse Cadet member allocated ‘chaperone’ from respective same gender squad who is responsible for care of individual whilst on squad premises. Regular reviews undertaken with Club Welfare Officer and ‘whistle-blowing’ process in place. Two adults will be in attendance at any time individual is on club premises, travelling and within the changing rooms. Individual is provided with option to change in private area (toilets) if required and shower at separate times. Chaperone, Coach Chaperone, Coach Chaperone, Low Low Low Hazard Risk Control measures in Person(s) responsible Risk factor Other Athletes with illness/allergies competing and training Asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, epileptic attack Athlete concerned discloses illness on club membership form. Assessment to be made of viability of allowing athlete to row. Coach aware of conditions and carries mobile phone at all times. Asthmatic athletes expected to carry inhalers at all times. Captain, Coach, Welfare Officer Low Veteran members unable to cope with exertions of sport on the water or within the gym Heart attack, soft tissue injury, broken bones Captain and Welfare Officer to target specific individuals and discuss viability of allowing continuation of training before approaching individual concerned. Removal of boating rights and training permission if applicable Captain, Welfare Officer Low