RCA Safety Video: Chapter 5

Summary

This video script from Rowing Canada Avira emphasizes the importance of safe coaching practices in rowing. It outlines the coach's role in risk management, including strategies to retain, reduce, transfer, or avoid risks. The script details safety equipment requirements, environmental precautions for various weather conditions, and emergency procedures. It also covers safety guidelines, weather protocols, and the importance of proper personal flotation device usage, ensuring a safe and enjoyable rowing experience.

Takeaways

• 👉 Coaches play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of rowers by being aware of potential hazards and practicing risk management.
• 🔍 Risk management involves identifying, measuring, and controlling risks to reduce the chances of injury or loss.
• 🛑 There are four strategies for controlling risks: retaining, reducing, transferring, and avoiding them.
• 📊 The risk assessment chart developed by the British Amateur Rowing Association helps coaches evaluate the severity and probability of risks.
• 📍 Local water rules and emergency action plans are essential for rowers to understand and follow for safety.
• 🚣‍♂️ Coaches must ensure that all safety equipment is carried as per Transport Canada regulations and RCA guidelines.
• 🧊 In cold water conditions, specific rules and precautions should be followed to prevent hypothermia and ensure rower safety.
• ☀️ Coaches and rowers must be aware of environmental conditions and take appropriate precautions in hot weather to prevent hyperthermia.
• 🚫 Rowing in reduced light conditions poses additional risks, and clubs should establish regulations considering various factors.
• 🛠 Regular checks of rowing equipment, including the shell and coach boat, are necessary to ensure safety before going on the water.
• 🛑 Safety starts with informed decisions before going on the water, considering weather, water conditions, equipment, and supervision.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a coach in the area of safety for rowers?

The primary role of a coach in the area of safety is risk management, which involves reducing the chances of injury or loss by identifying, measuring, and controlling risks.

What are the four strategies for controlling risks as mentioned in the script?

The four strategies for controlling risks are: 1) Retain the risk, 2) Reduce the risk, 3) Transfer the risk, and 4) Avoid the risk.

How is the risk assessment chart used by coaches to evaluate the safety of rowing activities?

The risk assessment chart is used by coaches to identify risks, assess the potential severity and probability on a scale of one to three, and calculate a risk assessment value by summing the severity and probability values. If the intersecting number is 5 or higher, it is considered unacceptable, and the coach should not proceed with the activity.

What are the key components of a club's emergency action plan mentioned in the script?

The key components of a club's emergency action plan include the club's address and phone number, a list of emergency organizations with their phone numbers, and a logbook that records which boats are on the water, who is in them, and when they are expected to return.

What are the safety equipment requirements for coach boats as per Transport Canada regulations?

Transport Canada regulations require coach boats to carry an approved personal flotation device for all occupants, a buoyant heating line, a paddle, a sound signaling device, a baler, watertight flashlight or flares, and navigation lights if operated before sunrise.

What is the RCA weather protocol, and how does it assist coaches and rowers?

The RCA weather protocol assists coaches and rowers by providing guidelines to check the Environment Canada website for local forecasts, using time-lapse radar and satellite imagery to predict the arrival and duration of weather systems. It also advises on not going on the water if certain severe conditions are observed.

Why is it important for coaches and rowers to be aware of environmental conditions during rowing?

Coaches and rowers need to be aware of environmental conditions because rowing takes place outdoors and they are exposed to various weather conditions. This awareness helps in taking necessary precautions and ensuring safety, especially in extreme temperatures or weather conditions.

What are the recommended actions to prevent hypothermia while rowing in cold water conditions?

To prevent hypothermia, it is recommended that rowers dress appropriately for cold weather, including wearing a hat, and stay within sight of the coach or safety boats. Clubs should also institute their own specific cold water rules based on water temperature and other environmental factors.

How should coaches prepare their coach boat before a practice session?

Coaches should ensure the motorboat is ready by checking the capacity, having all required safety gear on board, ensuring the motor is running smoothly, and having sufficient fuel. They should also confirm that all safety equipment is properly stored and that the boat is ready to launch when the crew is.

What are the safety considerations for landing a coach boat, both at a dock and on a shore or beach?

For a dock landing, coaches should cut speed far enough away to avoid creating a wake that could impact others, and use slow, controlled moves to angle the boat parallel to the dock. For a shore or beach landing, the coach should land the boat perpendicular to the shore, cut the motor, and pull the boat up to get the prop out of the water.