GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION
A GDRA Rowing Safety Presentation
GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION
Basics and Safety
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Rules on the Water Rule One:
Always stay with your boat. Rule Two:
Remember rule number one. The boat is your flotation device. Your oars are flotation devices. You are allowed by law to row with out more
flotation than this. Remember the Rule of 4 Oars No swimming off dock or jumping off any
bridges.
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Boat Basics
SternCockpit
Bow
Rigger
Foot Stretcher
Seat
Tracks
Deck PlugOarlock
Direction of boat
Gunwhale
Oar
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Boat Basics (Oars)
Blade
Shaft
Handle
Hands Up Blade Down
Hands Down Blade UP
Sleeve Collar or Button
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Boat Basics (Oars)
BladeShaftHandle
Blade Square
Blade Feathered
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Boat Basics
Direction of boat
Oars (Sculling)
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Movement Metaphor
Oars anchored in water
Pulling on handles moves boat forward
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Direction of boat
Oars (Sculling)
Oars anchored in water
Movement Metaphor
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The gate is only open while inserting or removing the oar.The Oarlock
Pin and Head nut
RiggerClosed Open
Gate Gate
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Boat Basics
Direction of boat
Oars (Sweep)
4+
RiggersSeat and Track
Foot Stretcher
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Crew Seat Designations
Direction of boat 4+
Bow
Two
Three
Stroke
Coxswain
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Boat Basics
Direction of boat Direction of view
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The Rower in the Boat
Foot StretcherTrackSeat
Direction of boat
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The Oarlock
Feather (recovery) Square (stroke)
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The oar in the oarlock
Pin and head nut
Shaft
SleeveCollar flat against oar lock at all times
Rigger
Inboard sideOutboard side
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The oar in the oarlock
Collar not in contact with oarlock is unstable
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Oarlock OrientationYour nose
Your oarlock
Direction of boat
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Equipment CareAlways check your equipment before you leave the boathouse. All Boats:
Hull integrity Riggers adjusted
and bolts tight. Seats in securely
and roll smoothly Plugs in and
secure Stretchers in and
secure
Alden: Oarmaster
orientation correct Seat orientation
correct Height of oar lock
correct Clips in to secure
to hull Track length set
to your dimensions
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Equipment Care
All Boats: Protect fin from
damage on dock. Protect rigger
from damage by entering or exiting with rigger over dock.
Oarlocks in correct orientation.
Step only in correct place
Oarlock gates must always be closed except while installing or removing the oar.
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Rigger destruction
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Rigger destruction
The rigger can overlap the dock.
The rigger to boat joint is delicate to eliminate weight.
Holding the rigger rigid to the dock and stepping in the boat will break the joint.
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Stepping through hull
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Stepping through the hull.The hull has one place to step
and a stretcher to hold feet while rowing.
While transferring on the water a rower can step through the hull of a wooden shell.
The hole can be huge.The hull will never be as fair
again.
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Equipment (returning) All Boats:
Hull integrity Oarlock gates
closed Seats in securely
before lifting boat Plugs out and
secure Stretchers in and
secure Return oars to
rack Wipe down boat
to remove Miami River scum.
Aldens:Never lift boat
hull by grabbing the deck, riggers or oarmaster.
Lift by the rub rails onto the cart.
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Bow and Stern Bashing
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Door Head
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Heads Down
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Not lifting together
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Hull scrapes
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Sling Bruising
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Dock side damage
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Safety Discussion
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Why be concerned about safety?to reduce damage to yourselfto reduce damage to other
peopleto reduce damage to the
equipmentto reduce chances of bad
publicityto reduce chances of legal
action
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Rules on the Water Rule One:
Always stay with your boat.
Rule Two:
Remember rule number one.
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In Boat Safety
Never let go of your oar while you are in the boat.
Never step anywhere other than the spot provided. If you don’t know where that spot is ask.
Always stay with your boat.
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Club Log Out Policy
Always log out when you take any boat on the river.This allows the club to know:
who you are and when you leftwhere the boat is and when it leftalerts the club to any boat damageif a boat has been damaged, it
allows some understanding of how and helps to prevent the same occurrence in the future.
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Club Log Out Policy
Always log in when you return.Always make a notation of any
damage incurred.If you notice that a boat has been
out a long time:Check to see if the boat is in the house,
as the rower may have forgotten to sign in.
If you perceive a problem, call the person at home and if still concerned, notify the MetroPark Rangers and Dayton Police by dialing 911
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Island MetroPark The park is often desolate during
the hours GDRA people row. Be careful and mindful of the private
nature of activities in many cars. Be careful of the people wandering
the docks. Always lock the boat house when it
is empty. Always lock your car doors and then
lock your car keys inside the key lock box inside the boathouse.
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We share the dock with fishermen who have nearly invisible lines in the water.Give them a generous space
when you row by and be mindful of their lines.
We share the park with Island MetroPark visitors who are non-rowers.Be courteous; they may want to
join us.
Island MetroPark
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We share the docks and river with Dayton Canoe Club and UD. They both present a hazard to you
and your boat.Entering the river from the docks
is hazardous.Always watch for boat traffic coming
through the Helena Street Bridge.No power rowing between the Helena
Street Bridge and the docks.
Island MetroPark
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Rules of the roadThe traffic pattern in the river is
counter clockwise. (looking down)
The traffic pattern for you in the river is right side going upstream, right side when going down stream.The river is like a road -- drive on the
right and almost NEVER in the middle!
Always stay with your boat.
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River Hazards Power boats
The entire river is a “no wake zone.”
UD puts many power boats on the river. Be extra careful.
Visible Debris Submerged
Debris Other rowers
Buoys Bridges The wind and
chop. Fishing lines Under water
posts and pilings
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When not to row
When there are white caps on the river. (high winds)Remember sheltered wind
conditions change in different parts of the river.
When you hear thunder or see lightning.
Extreme coldWhen the dockside “Height
Stick” is in the RED zone.
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While you are learning, row in the dock area.
As you advance and are authorized to take a boat in the river stay between the Helena St. Bridge and the I-75 bridge. Most of the space between the bridges
and around the docks is a “no wake zone.”
Try to stay within visible range of your coach.
Remember the Rule of 4 Oars.
Where to row
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Where to row
Later when you are proficient:Rowing upriver toward I-75 bridgeRowing downstream the river
often has heavy boat traffic.Beware of the low-head dam
downriver from the docks and stay away! It is a “drowning machine.”
Always turn and look frequently for traffic and debris in an un-coxed boat.
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Boat house safety.
Never sit on or step over a boat.Never run in the boathouse.Never hit the boats with
another boat or hard object.Always leave oar locks closed.Always leave the boathouse
locked when no one is in the house.
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Clothing Dress appropriately for the weather
conditions. Carry a water bottle to avoid
dehydration. Shirts should fit tightly to avoid
snagging your hands or in the tracks.
Shorts should fit tightly to avoid snagging in the tracks.
Running shoes may not fit the stretchers “clogs.” Wear deck shoes.
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Darkness and Glare
Your boat is required to have a appropriate lighting in the dark.Use a red bow light Use a whitewhite stern light
Remember the glare may prevent another boater from seeing you.
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Traveling Tips
We have learned several things while traveling about loading, unloading, waiting and reloading.
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Loading
Operate with a check list.Have the whole crew know
what to do.Have the whole crew there.Have the crews work as GDRA
not their individual crews or boats. It’s our trailer.
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Loading
Eights hang over bed, go on top.
Fours, go on bottom.
Oars in the racksRiggers in the truck, taped together
Slings, seats, tools, tents, etc. in the truck bed, or other appropriate vehicle.
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LoadingWhen truck turns, this much pivots out into opposite lane from turn direction.
When truck turns, this much sticks out in opposite lane from direction of turn
We may use a chase car to guard the overhanging lanes, but the truck driver must always be aware of the danger. The chase car must take an active role and not just follow.
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Turning
Opposite Lane Traffic
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Chase Vehicle behind Trailer
Vehicle passing on right
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Chase Vehicle covers opposite lane as the trailer turns
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Vulnerable areas due to the overhangs
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Loading
Always check trailer: Ball secure Running lights Safety chains Overhang red flags Hitch jack up and block
in trailer Spare inflated Driver awake Un-chock the wheels,
re-chock before un-hitching.
Always check boats: All boats strapped
correctly and tight. Strap ends will not blow
under wheels Oars strapped and tight Cox box wires secured. All seats strapped and
secure or boxed All deck plugs secure All fins+impellers
secure Riggers correctly stored
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Boats Eights on top unless small load then lower to reduce
overturn moment on trailer. They have to clear trailer cab.
Boats on top go on first when ever possible. One person should cox boat; every one else should be
quiet. Boats on lower racks must be loaded carefully to avoid
hitting hull and fins on trailer frame. All seats should be bungeed or out of the boat prior to
loading. Strapping should be taught to everyone and should be
checked by everyone who passes the trailer. Strapping should not be over tightened.
Strap ends must be secured! This is to avoid a long end blowing under a wheel and crushing the hull.
Out board hulls should be held inward to minimize the over hang.
Loading
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Release head nut to finger snug. Remove riggers – NEVER STEP ON A RIGGER Swing back stay over fore stay. Nest port side riggers and tie as shown Nest starboard side riggers and tie as shown. When loading be sure back stays have nothing loaded on top of
them. Check headnuts to make sure they are snug enough to not rattle
out.
Loading
Rigger on boat
Back
sta
y
Rigger off boat Riggers nestedand tied
Fore stay
Main
sta
y
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Riggers Inventory riggers to make sure they are
matched with boats. Make sure head nuts have been loosened
before the back stay is folded over the fore stay.
Make sure head nuts are re-snugged for travel. Make sure, nothing is on top of backstays in
trailer. Impact loading, from trailer bounce, fatigues the thin tubing and causes breaks.
Loading
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Oars: Check inventory with coaches to make
sure we have enough correct oars. Count them!
Use the wooden combs in the front and back of the trailer to secure all that will fit.
Oars blades are aligned aft in the combs. Strap balance of oars along side and
secure end of strap, to assure it does not blow under the wheels.
Be aware that the vertical pipes for the combs will cut the boats if in place when loading boats.
Loading
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Unloading Boats:
Remove lower boats first to access slings. Remove riggers and stage in a safe, low traffic
area. Remove oars and stage in a safe, low traffic
area. Set up slings for boats, where coach says. Coxswains have boats removed to slings. Remove balance of stuff from trailer, if it must
be removed. If it can stay, work out of trailer. All slings, bungees, and rigger ties should be
coiled neatly and stowed in a bucket. If it’s raining…... cover the bucket
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Waiting Crews should not wander off. Many races
have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat.
When GDRA has boats on the water they will return. They will need help with oars, shoes, slings, injuries and spirit. Be there.
If you see other crews in need of the same assistance, offer to help.
Horse play around our boats endangers the boat, for all who use them. If you see some one endangering the boats you row, stop them. We forget during long waiting periods.
GREATER DAYTON ROWING ASSOCIATION
Waiting Crews should not wander off. Many races
have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat.
Check rigging: All bolts are the correct tightness. All oarlocks are free to rotate easily. All tracks are clean All head nuts are tight. Spread, height, work through, pitch are set. All stretcher nuts are in place. All bungies are stored. Deck plugs are available Bow ball is on Bow number bracket is on
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Waiting Crews should not wander off. Many races
have been scratched because a crew member was not at the boat.
Rest appropriately Hydrate appropriately Eat appropriately Warm up Stretch after warm up Be ready to row early
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Reloading Crew members should not leave. The
GDRA crews who used the boats are responsible for their safe return to Dayton.
Everyone is tired, some are disappointed, the boats have to get home.
Reloading is like loading except everyone is tired.
Some times reloading is a rush operation due to site constraints. It can be done effectively and orderly in ten minutes.
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Hazards on the River
Great Miami River RowingBuoys, Debris, Bridge piersDistancesPrevailing windsCurrentThunder in your ears, lightning in
your eyes….do not row…or head in to shore!
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Chase car driving The chase car driver is important to the transport
of our boats. The chase must attempt to stay close enough to
prevent other drivers from getting between chase car and boats. The chase driver knows that there are several needle like hulls hanging four feet behind the trailer bar. Others will not.
The chase must anticipate the movement of the overhanging boats and stay between them and other vehicles passing on the the side opposite the turn.
The driver of the the trailer can use help changing lanes. The chase can provide that help by planning ahead and screening the trailer when pulling out.