Safety

Because of the unique nature of Oxford collegiate rowing – namely that a large number of inexperienced people take to a very cramped river – it is paramount that we operate in as safe an environemt as reasonable. This page outlines steps that clubs, captains, coaches and individuals should be taking; these will either mirror RowSafe, or exceed them, due to our circumstances.

Swim Tests

All those wishing to row during their time at Oxford must take a swim test.

Please see this page for more details.

Capsize

Information on capsize dangers and the availability and necessity of capsize drills is available here.

Risk assessments

Clubs must undertake an annual Water Safety Audit, to be completed before the end of each calendar year. More details can be found by contacting the RowSab.

Before boating for each outing, crews should undertake a risk assessment of the conditions. Crews should consult Row Safe 3.1. & 9.1-8. for further information, however these documents should be familiar to anyone in charge of an outing.

For information on dealing with cold water immersion and hypothermia, please refer to RowSafe 8.1.

Incident reporting

In the case of an incident – which includes a near-collision – on the Isis, a Water Safety Incident Report form should be prepared at the earliest possible opportunity. Mobile phone numbers (or email addresses) of witnesses should be taken at the scene, and weather conditions noted. The form will also prompt you for actions to take to reduce the likelihood of such an event occurring again.

This will then trigger a PDF copy of the report to be sent to your inbox. The RowSab will also automatically receive a copy of the Incident Report.

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