Rowing Safety


There are many components to safety at Peterborough Rowing. This page provides links to our safety-related policies, including the RCA Online Safety Modules and the Safe Sport manual.

Safety Policy: SOME Highlights

  • All coach/safety boat operators must wear a PFD and attach the motor kill switch

  • All boaters must obey the traffic pattern

  • Be aware of swift water rules. If the water is “swift” then launch southbound and dock northbound

  • Be aware of cold water rules. Crew boats must be accompanied by a coach boat. Singles and doubles can row with a buddy and coach permission

  • Rowers must take a PFD if going out unaccompanied by a coach boat or safety boat

Rowing In the Dark

Rowing in the dark can be especially hazardous. No PRC rowing is to occur earlier than 1 hour before sunrise, and all boats must return to the dock by sunset. Shells being used in the dark within 30 minutes of sunrise or sunset must have visible navigation lights consisting of a white stern light and a red/green bow light.

Given the structured environment of Trent University Rowing, PRC has arrived at the following protocol based on considering both the hazards of rowing in the dark and the need to minimize collisions on the course.

From October 1, during the TURC rowing season:

  • Land conditioning and on-land coaching will occur before the on-water session begins.

  • Novice coxed crews only, with a dedicated (one-on-one) coach boat remaining less than 25m away, shall launch and dock in one flight, launching between 6:20-6:30 am

  • JV/Varsity & non-coxed novice crews, with an accompanying coach boat (will avoid supervising more than 3 boats), shall launch and dock in one flight, launching between 6:40-6:50 am

  • These flights launch at different times to mitigate the risk of collisions.

  • The only permissible exceptions to these times are delays due to safety considerations, such as stormy weather.


    Additional recommendations:

There are many things that we can do, beyond our policy, to increase our safety on and off the water.

  • Wear hi-vis clothing. Even a hat will help other boats to see you.

  • Hot weather can be just as dangerous as rowing in the cold. Wear a hat and sunscreen Make sure to drink lots of water. Keep an eye on other rowers.

  • Rowing shells are tippy. Even the best rower occasionally falls in. Tip training is a great way to pracice and be prepared. Everyone is encouraged to attend annual tip training workshop.