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Index of Rowing Resources find the following information by scrolling down on this page SRC Recommended Sites--A variety of sites, chock-full of information for novice and experienced rowers alike. Rowing Safety--Do you know how to read channel markers? Are you familiar with the dangers of egeria densa? This is must read for rowers of ALL levels. Rowing in Temperature Extremes--Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion, and how to determine if you are at risk for hypothermia. Muscle Groups Used While Rowing & Parts of the Rowing Stroke--This information is key to efficient power application. Terminology--Thinking about coming out for for a rowing lesson? Get a jump on the lingo. | ||
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ROWING SAFETY Because the rowing shell is a flotation device, rowers are exempted from the requirement of wearing life jackets while rowing on fresh water. (Just for information: Those in the coastal regions who row in the ocean are required to attach an inflatable life jacket to their shell.) Scullers are the only members of SRC who are able to go out on the water alone. For the sake of safety, no sculler should row alone without having practiced the Re-entry Drill. Scullers should look over their shoulder frequently for other vessels or debris and wear a rear-view mirror. SRC encourages scullers to row with a buddy or the coach launch. If, despite the risk, you do go out alone: Carrying a cell phone in a waterproof case or dry bag is advised. During winter months, row within reach of the shore and don’t go far from the boathouse to reduce risk of hypothermia. Rowers should always carry sufficient water for hydration, Use common sense about going out when the river is abnormally high, if there is a large amount of debris in the water, or if it is windy. Return immediately when lightning or high winds (white caps) appear. DO NOT ROW in heavy fog! If you can’t see the other shore, it isn’t safe. Unexpected changes in wind speed occur regularly on the Delta. Know your limits and check the weather forecast before going on the water. When in doubt, play it safe. If you are caught in high winds, remember to shorten your stroke, relax the hands and arms as much as possible to reduce shocks of the rough water surface, and return to the boathouse as soon as possible. Extremes in temperature present hazards that should not be underestimated. A rule of thumb is that if air temp + water temp is less than 100 degrees, you should stay close to shore AND CLOSE TO HOME. Read the section on the website about coping with heat and cold. A newer hazard on our waterways is the appearance and proliferation of egeria densa, or aquarium grass. There is quite a bit near the sculling dock at Buckley Cove, especially in shallower water. It grows in huge mats just under the surface and is more evident at low tide. Not only will your balance be thrown off if you oar hits a patch just under the surface, but also, should you fall into some of it, you could get wrapped up in the weeds. When you are rowing, always AVOID grassy patches that you see floating as you row by. In case you get lost , river markers on the main channel can be used for orientation. Starting at the coast and moving inland, their numbers increase. They are red or green according to which side of the river they are on in relation to the ocean. Boaters are taught the slogan “Red—Right—Returning”, since red river markers are on the right side as boats move inland. Because rowers face backwards, we have to reverse that: as we row towards downtown Stockton (moving further inland), red river markers will be on our left shoulder as we row. As we row towards Sacramento and the Bay, green river markers will be on our left shoulder. FYI: The marker just outside Buckley Cove on the near side is #39 green; the one on the far side of the river across from the cove is #40 red. Some rowers are forced by their schedules to be on the water near dawn or dusk. Make sure you are visible to others (with lights) and that you can see your course. Stay on the right side of the channel unless conditions such as obstacles deem it to be unsafe to do so. Shore will be on your left shoulder. TRAFFIC ON THE WATERWAYS Stockton is an inland seaport, and the main channel is a national shipping lane used by deep draft ships. Freighters and other large ships are prone to a “blind spot” that can stretch for hundreds of feet in front of them. Such ships have an excessively long stopping distance, are difficult to maneuver, move with deceptive speed, and can cause turbulence that might toss your shell around or push you toward the rocks on the levees. Don’t be overly tense; your shell will be more stable with relaxed hands and arms. Simply be considerate and careful. If you are a novice, it is wise to get to the widest part of the river within range and stay near the side until a freighter has passed, even if it means a wait. If you need to cross the channel when a large boat is coming, cross at 90 degrees and move as quickly as you can. If there is ANY doubt about whether you will make it in time, allow the oncoming boat to pass and cross behind it. Always row defensively. Generally speaking, right of way goes to the watercraft that is harder to maneuver; ROWERS SELDOM HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. When in doubt, assume that the other guy doesn’t know the rules and cede the right of way. Take pride in your ability to keep your cool and to handle all challenges. Don’t allow encounters on the water to spoil your row! Click here for a printable copy of "Rowing Safety" Thank you to Phoebe Storey for submitting this article
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Rowing in Temperature Extremes Cold Weather During the winter rowers risk hypothermia should they go into the water. Pay attention to the temperatures. When the air is below 40 degrees and/or water is below 50 degrees, hypothermia can set in quickly. (A good way to remember when you are at risk is to add water and air temperature; any number below 100 puts you in the danger zone.) Tips to combat hypothermia • Know distress signals: a) waving arms b) waving shirts overhead c) blowing whistle or horn d) raising one oar vertical to the boat (for eights) • Stay with the swamped or capsized boat. Use the boat for flotation. Stay still while hanging on to the shell; if treading water is necessary, keep it as minimal as possible. NEVER attempt to swim to shore without the boat. Physical ability is hampered and judgment is impaired in cold water. • Use the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP): bring in your legs and your free arm to curl up like the fetal position. This gives added protection to the body areas of high heat loss, i.e. armpits, groin and chest. • For crew members, “buddy up” so that all rowers are in group. This partnership provides a way to monitor each person and to support or assist one another in a time of emergency. Huddling together might also lesson heat loss. • If rescue is not imminent, roll the shell over. An overturned shell can be used as float which allows rowers to get partially out of the water. If you are tired and can get on the boat without rolling it, do so to save energy. What to do to help a victim in a cold water emergency 1. Call 911 if possible 2. If the victim is conscious, re-warm him or her by removing wet clothing and wrapping in warm blankets (don’t rub them down). Give warm liquids- no alcohol. 3. Warm only the torso with warm blankets or the body heat of another person. Prevent the victim from losing more body heat. Do not re-warm extremities of the victim, if not breathing and there is no pulse, clear the air passage and begin mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and external heart massage (CPR) IMMEDIATELY. Once you begin CPR, do not stop until medical assistance is obtained. 4. Don’t give up. Drowning victims may look dead. Their skin is blue and cold to the touch. There is no detectable heartbeat or breathing.The eyes are fixed and dilated, and there is no other sign of life. However, if the water was cold, there is still a good chance of survival.Even in a near-drowning, individuals must always be assessed by a medical provider. Hot Weather Rowing in hot weather with warm temperatures, sun exposure or high humidity poses a challenge to your body’s regulation system. If sweat is excessive and fluids are not continually replaced – dehydration may occur. Four steps for prevention 1. Drink water before, during and after practice. During exercise, fluid intake should match fluid loss. Carry drinking water in the boat when rowing. 2. Limit your time in the sun…wear a hat, use sunscreen and stay in the shade when possible. Wear lightweight clothing. 3. Plan activity level consistent with the degree of heat, amount of sun exposure, or humidity. 4. Do not take “salt tablets.” Consumption of sodium salt increases potassium loss. Moderate potassium depletion will cause weakness and fatigue while severe depletion can result in fatal heart irregularities. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are potentially catastrophic events and are true medical emergencies. Know the signs and immediate treatment: Heat Exhaustion, which is a serious concern Symptoms • Extreme weakness • Profuse sweating • Muscle cramps • Pale, clammy skin • Vomiting • Nausea • Headache • Chills Treatment Drink water, shade from sun, treat for shock and cool the victim rapidly. Heat Stroke, which is LIFE THREATENING Symptoms • Hot reddish skin that is dry • Rapid pounding pulse • Behavior changes • Dilated eyes • Unconsciousness Treatment Get medical treatment immediately. Douse with cool water, shade from the sun, fan, ice massage, or ice packs especially to the outside of the neck, abdomen, groin, armpits, back of knees and bend of elbows. Impending heat exhaustion or heat stroke may not present all of these signs. Decreased athletic performance and deterioration of muscle coordination can also be indicators. Click Here for a printable copy of "Rowing in Temperature Extremes" Thank you to Phoebe Storey for submitting this article. |
