These are important documents that need to be read by all coaches and the relevant information for competitors passed on. The documents are at the bottom of the page

Responsibilities

The Regatta implements the recommendations of the British Rowing Row Safe Guide, and competitors are reminded of their obligations under Row Safe.

All Competitors and Spectators must follow posted safety notices and obey instructions from Regatta Officials.

Coxswains must provide and wear a suitable buoyancy aid or lifejacket when afloat. British Rowing Rules of Racing will be strictly enforced: stretchers and shoes must be of such construction that competitors can get their feet clear immediately, without using their hands to do so, if they capsize.

Competitors are specifically reminded that persons using the lake do so at their own risk and are solely responsible for:
Their own safety and their ability to meet the minimum standards required by Row Safe i.e. ability to swim, awareness of capsize procedures.
The strict observance of the circulation pattern and the minimum standards set by “Row Safe”.
Deciding, together with their coaches, whether or not they are competent to use the lake in the prevailing weather conditions.

If a competitor falls out of a boat for any reason, the crew must stop and render assistance. A crew will not be placed without its full complement.

Equipment

It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that their boats are safe and are prepared to the standards required by the British Rowing Guide to Safe Practice in Rowing. Control Commission will inspect the boats prepared by the competitors before each race, and shall exclude any boat that fails to meet the standard laid down. See Rules of Racing for details.

Protection against Weather Conditions

British weather can be varied, even in summer. Competitors especially should ensure that they bring kit and clothing appropriate for all possibilities.

Hot Weather

All competitors and spectators need to be aware of the effects of sunburn, heat stroke and heat exhaustion and take appropriate action to limit the risks:
Wear clothing which offers protection against sunburn (hats, T-shirts, sunglasses etc) and use a high factor sun block.
Take on fluids before, during and after competition.
Find shelter against the sun.
Seek advice or assistance from the First Aid Team.

Cold/Wet Weather

Though the Regatta takes place in May, inclement weather cannot be discounted. All competitors and spectators should be prepared for cold and/or wet weather by:
Bringing spare clothes
Wearing multiple layers of clothes
Ensuring that you have appropriate kit with you in the boat. Don’t compromise your own wellbeing for the sake of carrying a few extra ounces of weight.

Cold Water Immersion

All competitors should be aware of the actions to take in the event of immersion:
Stay with the boat and use it to keep you afloat
Get on top of the boat and attract attention immediately
If you have to stay in the water, retain warmth by keeping arms and knees tucked into the body
Stay calm and breathe deeply
Do not waste energy by trying to right the boat
Do not swim away from the boat because your swimming ability in cold conditions is dramatically reduced
Know the emergency procedures to be able to help effectively if you see a capsize
Keep warm and dry in the boathouse between races.

Practice, Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Crews may NOT practise on the course before or during racing, and may NOT boat on the River Thames from Dorney’s grounds. Crews will only be permitted to go afloat to race.

Circulation Pattern

All competitors must familiarise themselves with the Circulation Pattern for crews. Crews failing to follow the CLOCKWISE circulation pattern may be disqualified.

The racing lanes are numbered 1 to 6 from the spectator side of the course.

Crews will be marshalled as a group for each race and directed to their lanes. Races will be started without reference to absentees.

Violation of Safety Rules

Any crew that violates the declared circulation pattern, or which is observed executing a dangerous manoeuvre or acting contrary to the British Rowing Guide to Safe Practice in Rowing may be awarded an ‘Official Warning’ by any Umpire acting as a Key Race Official, the Race Committee or its Chairman.

Child Welfare

The Regatta has appointed a Child Welfare Officer whose duties include understanding and implementing, where appropriate, the British Rowing Safeguarding and Protecting Children Policy.

All Regatta officials and volunteers are apprised of their responsibilities under the Regatta’s Child Welfare Policy.

Security

The Regatta Committee can take no responsibility for equipment left overnight before the Regatta. Crews should ensure that their boats are tied down to racks or trestles. All equipment must be removed from the site at the end of racing on Sunday.

Boat Racking and Storage

It is the responsibility of competitors to ensure that their boats are secured correctly when stored on permanent or temporary racks or trestles

Spectators

Cars, motorbikes etc MUST NOT drive along on either side of the course following crews or races.
Pedestrian access to the island formed between the main lake and warm-up channel is strictly forbidden.
There is no cycling on site by coaches, athletes or spectators.